SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University softball team continued its winning ways Saturday afternoon, as the Lions' hitting and defensive play were equally impressive, leading to two more wins against Barry with 8-3 and 6-0 scorelines to sweep the Buccaneers for the first time since 2019.
 
SLU 8, BU 3
Six Lions hit 50% or better from the plate, led by Junior infielders Alyssa Perez (3-for-4) and Madyson Coe (2-for-4) with two RBIs apiece.
 
Junior pitcher Kayla Swinson (2-1) allowed five hits and three runs in a six-inning pitching performance that saw 112 pitches thrown for the Plant City, Fla. native.
 
Saint Leo took advantage of some second-inning trouble for Barry (11-8, 2-4 SSC), as pitcher Cassandra Lee (5-2) left the game after allowing the first run in via wild pitch.  Relief pitcher Haelee Angelico attempted to get Barry out of a jam before the Green & Gold posted four more runs in the inning to take a 5-0 lead.
 
Errors by the Lions in the third inning allowed Barry to salvage one run (5-1) before the Green & Gold responded with three runs in back-to-back hits one inning later.  Perez hit a double to center to bring in two runs before Coe's hit on the next at-bat brought home Perez to extend the Lions' lead 8-1.
 
Barry would add two more runs in the sixth inning before Saint Leo would close out the game with an 8-3 win.
 
SLU 6, BU 0
After a win in the first game, it was the Freshmen who led the way, as infielder Briana Neal (3-for-4) and outfielder Bianca Polistina (2-for-3) compiled all three of the team's RBIs.
 
While Freshman pitcher Haleigh Thomas got the nod for Game Two, it was Junior Kayla Betts (6-0) that would ultimately pick up the win, allowing three hits and striking out ten in four and one-third innings pitched.
 
In the top of the third, Saint Leo found themselves in a jam as Barry had runners on second and third with two outs.  Betts entered the game and sprung the Lions out of a tough spot following a hit-by-pitch on the first batter faced that loaded the bases.
 
The escape set the stage in the bottom of the third for a five-run inning for the Lions as the hits continued to pour to give the Green & Gold another 5-0 start.
 
On a day filled with errors from Barry, the Lions capitalized one more time in the fifth, as Neal stole home to complete a 6-0 win and the series sweep for Saint Leo.
 
The Lions are back in action Monday for a non-conference doubleheader against Wimington (Del.).  First pitch against the Wildcats is set for 5 p.m.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo softball, 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.