MELBOURNE, Fla. – Saint Leo softball splits Saturday afternoon doubleheader against No. 9 Florida Tech and wins the Sunshine State Conference series 2-1 after winning the first and last game of the three-game series at Nancy Bottge Field.
 
In the twinbill, Kacie Kelly and Shyanne DuBois were the lone two Lions to record multiple hits, both going 2-for-6 where Alexis Miniet, Kayleice Hooks, Amanda James, and Grace Spitulski all tallied one hit on the day.
 
Sara Neuman led the Green and Gold pitching staff with 7.2 innings pitched on the day, including a 7.0 complete game shutout in the series finale. Neuman allowed six hits on the day with four strikeouts, two walks and zero runs.

Records
Saint Leo – 10-10, 5-4 SSC
#9 Florida Tech – 16-4, 4-2 SSC
 
Game 1 – #9 Florida Tech 2, Saint Leo 1
Kacie Kelly started the game off with a leadoff single before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt from Ashley Morris. An errant throw from the pitcher on Shyanne DuBois' grounder allowed Kelly to round third and score the first run of the game.
 
FIT held the Lions scoreless for the next six innings as the Panthers scored two runs in the third for a 2-1 lead, going on for the win to even the series.

Rachel Bean started the game and went 2.1 innings with Sadi Avants coming in for three innings before Sara Neuman came in to close things out. Avants led the staff with two strikeouts as Neuman tallied one.
 
Kacie Kelly, Shyanne DuBois and Kayleice Hooks all notched a hit in the first game of the day where Kelly scored the lone run.
 
Game 2 – Saint Leo 1, #9 Florida Tech 0
Saint Leo and Florida Tech played a tight series finale before the Lions scored the lone run in the top of the seventh. Stellar defense and a complete game shutout allowed Saint Leo to take the series finale by a lone run. 
 
Alexis Miniet hit a leadoff double to left center before Brigette Soza pinch ran at second base. Amanda James stepped in the box and delivered a one-out RBI double to plate the only run of the game. Saint Leo would leave two on in the top of the seventh but Sara Neuman shut out the Panthers in the bottom of the frame.
 
Neuman tossed the complete game shutout for her second win of the year. In the seven innings, she gave up six hits and tallied three strikeouts but allowed zero runs.
 
Kacie Kelly, Shyanne DuBois, Grace Spitulski, Alexis Miniet and Amanda James all notched a hit in the series finale. 
 
Up Next
Saint Leo returns home to host Tiffin for a midweek doubleheader Wednesday, March 6. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m. with a second game scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo softball team be sure to 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.