SAINT LEO, Fla. – Thanks to a three-run homer off the freshman bat of Brittany Creamer, the Saint Leo University softball team defeated the visiting University of Tampa by a 4-1 score on Friday evening at University Softball Stadium.

Creamer tallied the one hit, but it was the game-winner as the shortstop launched her second home run of the season.  Leftfielder Tiffany Thompson was the lone Saint Leo batter to record multiple hits off Tampa's All-American pitcher, lacing a pair of singles and a run scored.

Freshman Samantha Tyler tossed five innings in the start, scattering four hits and allowing a single run while sending five batters down on strikes in the no-decision.  Senior Ashley Ehlers (4-3) earned the win, pitching two innings in relief.  The right-hander tallied three strikeouts without allowing a baserunner. 

Spartan starter Julia Morrow (8-3) was tabbed with her third loss of the season, a six inning stint where the senior allowed four runs off of eight hits while striking out 11.

The Lions improve to 14-5 on the season with a 1-3 tally in Sunshine State Conference play while the Spartans fall to 11-6, 1-3 in SSC matchups.

The Spartans struck first, as designated player Jennie Sittloh scored Meagan Burke to give Tampa a 1-0 lead in the fourth.

The Lions knotted the score 1-1 as senior Sanders served up a RBI double to left center, scoring Michelle George from first base.

Saint Leo took the lead in the bottom of the sixth, as Creamer lifted a 0-2 pitch over the centerfield fence to score three runs and give the Lions a 4-1 lead.

The Green and Gold return to action on Saturday, concluding the Tampa series with a 1 p.m. doubleheader at the University Softball Stadium.  Live stats as well as a live video webcast 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.