SALEM, Va. – In its first appearance at the NCAA Division II Softball Championships, Saint Leo University softball defeated California State University Chico 3-2 to open up play at the James I. Moyer Sports Complex.
 
With the win, Saint Leo moves to 38-16 on the year. Auria Mounts and Alison Mitts appeared in the circle for the Green and Gold where Mounts went 3.0 innings with two hits and one run followed by Mitts' four innings and one run on two hits. Mitts picked up the win and moves to 15-8 on the year. Both Mounts and Mitts tallied four strikeouts in the game.
 
Ashley Morris and Bailey Burk registered two hits on the night to lead the Lions where Kacie Kelly and Brittany Creamer were credited with one hit for the Green and Gold's six hits. Kelly, Creamer and Brigette Soza all scored a run in the contest.
 
Saint Leo came out firing in the top of the first getting a base runner on but stranded the runner at third. Chico State answered with a run in the bottom half to take a 1-0 lead after the first inning of play.
 
The Lions roared back to tie the game at 1-1 as Alexis Miniet led off the inning with a hit by pitch. Bailey Burk would single to third to give the Lions two on and no outs. A fielder's choice allowed Brigette Soza, who came in to pinch run, to advance to third. A double steal saw Bailey McKenna slide into second safely and Soza across the plate to tie the game.
 
After two scoreless frames, the Lions would take the lead and add an extra run to go ahead 3-1 in the fifth. Brittany Creamer singled to center field to start things off before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt from Sommer Pollard. Kacie Kelly singled up the middle, bringing Creamer to come around to take the lead, 2-1. Ashley Morris would single up the middle scoring Kelly for a 3-1 lead.
 
Chico State would cut the deficit to 3-2 on a one-out solo home run in the bottom of the fifth.
 
The Lions were able to hold on for the win as Shyanne DuBois made a diving grab in left field to sit down the Wildcats in order to end the game.
 
Up Next …
Saint Leo will take on Saint Anselm at 1:30 pm as the away team at the Moyer Sports Complex.
 
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.