SAINT LEO, Fla. – Opening conference play on Sunday afternoon, the Saint Leo University softball team suffered a two-game setback to visiting Barry University by a pair of 7-2 losses at the University Softball Stadium.
The Lions dip to 13-4 on the season with a 0-2 score in Sunshine State Conference play while the visiting Buccaneers improve to 14-5, 2-0 in SSC matchups.
The Green and Gold dropped the first contest to Barry by a 7-2 final score. The Bucs used a five-run fifth inning to push ahead of the Lions as cleanup hitter Julie Brito roped a home run over centerfield to score three runs.
Barry starting pitcher Haley Wiseman (7-2) picked up the win, tossing seven innings of three-hit ball, allowing two runs and striking out eight batters. Saint Leo senior Ashley Ehlers (3-3) was credited with the loss, surrendering two earned runs while striking out three over 4.2 innings of work.
Senior McKenzie Burns was 1-for-2 in game one with a run scored, a RBI and a stolen base. Third-baseman Adriana Sanders also notched a hit in her two at-bats, hitting a sacrifice fly in the first inning for the Lions. Saint Leo concluded the first contest with a 7-2 setback.
The second game saw a familiar 7-2 score, as Barry swept the rain-delayed doubleheader. Freshman Brittany Creamer posted a pair of hits, including her first career home run. Sanders manned the hot-corner, recording 12 assists as the senior's defense was second to none. The third-baseman recorded two double plays and picked up a hit and a RBI in the second contest.
Reigning SSC Player of the Week Michelle George posted multiple hits while crossing the plate once for the Lions.
Bucs catcher Dee Espinosa hit 2-for-5 for the second contest, notching five RBI to ignite the Barry offense.
Barry right-hander Taylor Sabol (4-3) earned the win, tossing seven complete innings, allowing six hits and sending four batters down on strikes. Junior Alana Tabel (6-1) picked up her first loss of the season, hurling seven innings while allowing 11 hits and seven runs, three earned.
The Lions will finish the three-game set with a 4 p.m. contest on Monday, March 2nd at the University Softball Stadium. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be made available through www.saintleolions.com.
