TAMPA, Fla. – Saint Leo Softball traveled the 35 miles to the west side of Tampa to take on the Tampa Spartans in a doubleheader Saturday at Naimoli Field. The Lions were victorious in the first game of the day, 2-0 in nine innings to earn the Sunshine State Conference win before dropping game two 4-1 in a non-conference tilt.
 
Kayla Betts helped guide the Lions to its 16^th win of the season while earning her eighth win in the circle after going the full nine innings allowing just three hits and no runs with eight strikeouts. Betts tallied 12 flyouts and six ground outs including the one flyout and two ground outs to end the game in the ninth.
 
Saint Leo (16-9, 13-6 SSC) saw Shelby Westbrook pace the team offensively going 3-for-3 in one game played, while Alexandra Hare went 3-for-8 in both games combined. Madyson Coe and Alyssa Perez collected two hits apiece, Emily Pilon and Alexis Miniet each tallied a lone hit in the game. Coe, Miniet, and Bayley Williams each scored a run on the day.
 
Saint Leo 2, Tampa 0 (9 innings)
In a classic pitcher's matchup, Saint Leo snuck away with a 2-0 win after an errant throw in the top of the ninth on a sacrifice bunt to third allowed for Alexis Miniet to come around from first to score as well as Madyson Coe, who laid down the bunt.
 
Kayla Betts retired the side in the bottom of the ninth with the help of her defense getting a flyout to left field and two ground outs, to second and short.
 
The first two innings were three-up three-down for both sides until the Spartans got a baserunner in the third. The Lions returned the favor with two in the top of the fourth but still couldn't get one across all the way through the eighth inning.
 
Tampa 4, Saint Leo 1
The Spartans would score two in the first inning to take an early lead before adding another in the fifth before Saint Leo got a run in the sixth. Tampa added its fourth and final in the bottom of the sixth before the game was retired in the top of the seventh.
 
Bayley Williams, who pinch ran for Emily Pilon, came around to score for the Green and Gold in the sixth inning on a fielding error by the Spartans' shortstop after Alli Jaquith tried to advance Williams. A miscue on the throw allowed Williams to score from second.
 
Shelby Westbrook would open up the seventh with an infield single but would be out on a fielder's choice, allowing Kacie Kelly to reach base. Alexandra Hare would get two on the bases for the Lions with a single through the left side, but a game-ending double play allowed the Spartans to get away with no damage done.
 
Up Next
Saint Leo and Tampa return to action Sunday, April 25 at University Softball Stadium where the two will play a doubleheader starting at 1pm for two Sunshine State Conference games. Following the games, the Lions will honor and celebrate eight seniors, Brigette Soza, Makensey Pankers, Sadi Avants, Kacie Kelly, Madi Mott, Alexis Miniet, and Maddy Lynn.
 
 
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.
 
How to Watch
Lions fans are able to watch the game and follow live stats via the Sunshine State Conference Digital Network where the Green and Gold's home games will be streamed and carry live statistics. For viewing any of the Green and Gold's contests against conference opponents, go to sunshinestateconference.tv or directly to the Lions' portal HERE. For following along with the live stats, fans can view them HERE. For more coverage of the Saint Leo softball program or any of the University's intercollegiate events, go to saintleolions.com/coverage.

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, limiting the number of 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.