FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Saint Leo softball opened a three-game Sunshine State Conference series at Nova Southeastern with a 3-1 loss to the Sharks, Friday evening at the AD Griffin Sports Complex.
The Lions move to 26-8 on the season, 2-5 in SSC play.
The Green and Gold got out to a quick start with a McKenzie Burns leadoff single in the first inning. Burns promptly stole second, her 30th stolen base of the season, and advanced to third on a Tiffany Thompson grounder to second.
Adriana Sanders plated Burns for the Lions' only run of the game and her team-leading 31st RBI of the season with a sacrifice fly to left field.
Nova Southeastern (11-13, 1-6 SSC) scored all three of its runs in the third inning on three hits, keyed by Katrina Ammons' two-run double to right center. The Sharks tacked on their third run later in the frame on a Maegan Lee two-out single to right center, scoring pinch runner Courtney Bridge who was running for Ammons.
Ashley Ehlers got the start in the circle for the Lions, and recorded eight strikeouts over six innings while allowing six hits. Her record fell to 10-5 with the loss.
Rebecca Thornton scattered six Saint Leo hits over her seven innings of work for the Sharks, recording three strikeouts with no walks while improving to 9-5.
Saint Leo and Nova Southeastern will complete their three-game SSC series on Saturday, March 21, with a doubleheader starting at 1:00 p.m.
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.
