Tabel goes the distance for Saint Leo in a losing effort while striking out four 

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University softball team may have outhit Florida Southern on Thursday night, in the first game of its three-game Sunshine State Conference (SSC) series, but it was the Moccasins that pushed across the only run of the game handing the Lions a tough 1-0 loss at University Softball Stadium. 

The loss drops Saint Leo to 26-19 on the year and 8-11 in SSC play. Florida Southern improves to 22-17 overall and 8-11 in conference play. 

Hits would be at a premium through the first three innings as both teams would combine for just two apiece. The Lions would have a chance to get on the board first in the bottom of the third inning, after getting their first two hits of the game, however Saint Leo would strand Michelle George and Angela Kafalas at second and third, respectively to end the inning. 

The Moccasins would score the only run in the game in the top of fourth inning when Sierra Lacey singled to right field driving in Priscilla Gonzalez. 

The Lions would once again get runners on in the bottom of the fifth inning when George singled to center field and Rachael Heath reached on a single through the right side putting runners on first and second. Florida Southern pitcher Chelsea Oglevie – who would eventually pick up the win (10-9) – would end the Saint Leo threat striking out Adriana Sanders and getting McKenzie Burns to ground out on a bunt. 

Saint Leo would only get one more hit the rest of the game with that coming on a Sarah Steiner double in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Lions, however, could not capitalize on her double down the left field line leaving her stranded at second base. 

Alana Tabel would get the loss for Saint Leo (5-7), while going the distance, allowing five hits and striking out four. She wouldn't allow any Florida Southern runners to first base by way of a walk. 

George finished the game going 2-for-3 on the night. 

Saint Leo will close out its SSC home slate with a doubleheader on Friday, April 18, at 10 a.m. and 12 noon. (PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED TIMES). The Lions will close out their regular season schedule with a weekend series at Barry University April 25-26. The series will begin on Friday, April 25 at 6 p.m., and then conclude with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 26, at noon and 2 p.m. 

For more on the Saint Leo University softball team visit SaintLeoLions.com. Also be sure 'Like' the Lions on Facebook and 'Follow' the Lions on Twitter and Instagram.