SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University softball team opened its 2023 home slate in front of a packed crowd Friday night, as a gritty, defensive effort from the Lions earned them a 2-1 win over the Barry Buccaneers at University Softball Stadium.
 
The Green & Gold recorded four hits on the night, as Junior pitcher Kayla Betts (5-0) pitched a complete game, allowing one run and one hit while fanning seven.
 
After starting the game allowing a hit-by-pitch and base hit, the Lions quickly regrouped and delivered on a double play that kept pace with a three-up three down.  Saint Leo then responded in the bottom of the first with a sacrifice fly from Freshman infielder Briana Neal that brought home Junior infielder Alyssa Perez for the 1-0 lead.
 
In the top of the second, Barry's Hayley Pasma attempted to run home and was put out by Sophomore Madyson Coe before the umpire overturned the call and awarded the Bucs the tying run via obstruction at home plate.
 
Fifth-year outfielder Bayley Williams got the hitting mojo going again with a leadoff single in the bottom of the second before fellow Fifth-year Kendyl Crean's sacrifice bunt allowed Williams to advance to second.  Sophomore utility Shyanne Waller delivered a blast to center field on the next at-bat, allowing Williams to round third and score the go-ahead run 2-1.
 
Betts would allow two walks from the third to seventh innings, but Barry was unable to produce the equalizing run, giving Saint Leo the slim 2-1 win.
 
The Lions conclude the series Saturday with an afternoon doubleheader against the Red & Black.  First pitch at University Softball Stadium is set for 1 p.m.
 
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