WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – For the second time this week the 11^th-ranked Saint Leo softball team split a doubleheader with Palm Beach Atlantic, dropping the first game and winning the second. The top of the Lions order, one and two, combined to go 5-for-6 at the plate in game two against the Sailfish helping carry the Lions to a 5-1 victory. PBA took the opening game 3-0.
 
The split moves the Lions' record to 8-4 on the year and 6-3 in Sunshine State Conference play. Palm Beach Atlantic moved to 7-5 overall and 6-3 in SSC action.
 
Fifth-year senior and lead-off Kacie Kelly went 2-for-3 at the dish in game two against the Sailfish with two runs scored, a double, a walk and an RBI. No. 2 in the lineup was freshman Morgan Shannon who went 3-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Sophomore Alexandra Hare caused the most damage at the plate as she drove in three of the Lions five runs while going 1-for-4. Her one hit was a three-run double in the fifth inning to give the Lions a 3-1 lead which they would never relinquish.
 
Fifth-year senior Sadi Avants made the start in the circle and went 4.2 strong innings while striking out five and walking a pair. She allowed just one hit and one run to earn her second win of the season. Shannon came in to pitch the final 2.1 innings earning her third save of the season. She struck out one and did not allow a walk or a hit.
 
In the opening game of the day Palm Beach Atlantic held the Lions to three hits while taking the game 3-0. Kelly, senior Alexis Miniet and junior Grace Spitulski all registered hits in the loss.
 
Senior Madi Mott suffered the loss in the circle, just her first of the year. She went 4.0 innings with three strikeouts and a walk. She allowed four hits and a pair of runs to cross the plate. Sophomore Kayla Betts pitched the final 2.0 innings while striking out five and walking one. She allowed one hit and one run to cross the plate.  
 
The Lions will return to action this Thursday, March 25 at noon as they travel to Boca Raton for a doubleheader with the Fighting Knights.
 
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.
 
Keeping Our Lions Healthy & Safe
Saint Leo University Athletics is keeping our student-athletes healthy and safe by following a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes having student-athletes tested or screened on a regular basis, traveling in smaller groups, holding competitions without fans in attendance, avoiding overnight trips, and wearing masks when not competing. These safety standards meet those set by the NCAA Division II and the Sunshine State Conference President's Council. At Saint Leo University, the COVID-19 Incident Command Team also reviews the teams' safety protocol and monitors adherence on a regular basis.