CLEARWATER, Fla. – Opening the Eckerd College Softball Invitational, the Saint Leo University softball team split the first day of the tournament Friday, at the Eddie C. Moore Athletic Complex. The Green and Gold was given its first loss of the season in a 3-0 defeat against Shorter but quickly rebounded to take a 4-1 decision over Harding.
The Lions stand 3-1 on the season entering day two of competition. The Hawks earned their first victory while the Lady Bison of Harding draw even at 2-2.
Saint Leo opened up the tournament against Shorter, with both teams nearly even in the hits column as the Hawks had six to the Lions' five. Shorter was able to score as Ericka Bynum provided the battery for all three of the teams runs.
Shorter handed Saint Leo its first loss of the season, a 3-0 shutout as Hawks starting pitcher Maddie Bray (1-0) earned her first win of the season. The right-hander threw a complete-game shutout, scattering five hits while allowing a single extra-base hit on the game.
Senior Ashley Ehlers (1-1) was tabbed with the loss, tossing seven innings. The starting pitcher struck out eight batters while allowing two earned runs in her second outing of the 2015 campaign.
The Saint Leo offense was led by McKenzie Burns and Michelle George, as the duo notched two singles apiece. Outfielder Cassie Boggs picked up her first hit of the year, a two-bagger to deep right center as the lone extra-base knock for the Lions.
Saint Leo took the nightcap of the doubleheader, defeating Harding by a 4-1 final score. Starting pitcher Samantha Tyler (1-0) tossed a masterful seven innings, allowing just two hits and striking out nine batters for her first win of the season. The freshman earned the win in her first collegiate start.
Burns continued her strong day, adding another pair of singles and a run scored. George laced a double in the fifth inning as pitcher Tyler would add a RBI single to her credit to pad the Saint Leo lead.
Freshmen infielders Ciera Schumaker and Brittany Creamer each tallied a RBI double against Harding as the Lions bounced back to finish day one of the Eckerd College Softball Invitational.
Danielle Hubbard (1-1) was credited with the loss, pitching seven innings while allowing 10 hits and four runs.
The Green and Gold continue the tournament Saturday, facing Chadron State at 11 a.m. and West Florida at 1:30 p.m. Live stats for the Clearwater, Fla. contests will be available through www.saintleolions.com.
For more information on the Saint Leo softball program, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
