SAINT LEO, Fla. – No. 4-ranked Saint Leo Lions dropped their first home contest of the year to Palm Beach Atlantic 6-5 on Friday, April 15th to open the three-game series at University Softball Stadium.

The Lions move to 37-2 on the year with the loss and look to bounce back tomorrow. Stephanie Adkins got the nod to start the game for three innings of work before Alana Tabel came in and pitched the final four innings. Tabel takes the loss, her first of the year, to fall to 13-1 on the year. With the setback, the Lions' 23 game win streak was snapped but not before setting the school record.

PBA moves to 29-12 with the victory as Nikki Brinegar picked up her third win of the year.

Adkins had a final line of 3.0 innings pitched, five hits, three runs and four strikeouts. Tabel finished with 4.0 innings pitched and five hits, three runs and six strikeouts.

Rachael Heath led the way from the plate again, as she was 3-for-3 with one run scored and two RBI. Bailey McKenna was 2-for-2 with a single and double, and two runs scored.

Saint Leo jumped out in front early scoring two in the bottom of the first before PBA bounced back and answered with two of their own in the top of the second. The Lions regained the lead in the bottom of the second before surrendering the lead in the top of the third.

The game would get tied at four's as both teams put one run across the plate in the fourth inning. Saint Leo took the 5-4 lead heading into the top of the seventh right before the Sailfish won it in the top of the seventh, 6-5. PBA's Brinegar recorded three straight outs in the bottom of the seventh to seal the victory for the Sailfish.

UP NEXT
Saint Leo and Palm Beach Atlantic return to University Softball Stadium to conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader Saturday, April 16th. First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 12 p.m., and the Lions will recognize their four senior in between the two games.