GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Saint Leo University softball team began the 2023 season with an emphatic start, as the Lions upset #4 Auburn-Montgomery 3-0 before coming from behind to defeat the University of West Alabama 9-6 for two, huge regional wins Friday at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.
 
SLU 3, #4 AUM 0
The Lions (2-0) had limited opportunities to score, but the Green & Gold took advantage with seven hits recorded.  Saint Leo limited the Warhawks (1-1) to just three hits in the ballgame.  Sophomore Hope Epps led the team with a 2-for-3 slate at the plate.
 
Junior pitcher Kayla Betts had a fantastic performance in the circle, pitching a complete game with 10 strikeouts recorded.
 
The fourth inning was all Saint Leo needed to score the deciding runs to pull away with the upset.  Sophomore Caroline Barwick came in as a pinch runner and got the Lions on the board before a RBI triple from Freshman infielder Briana Neal extended the lead 2-0.  Junior Morgan Shannon followed up Neal's hit with a RBI of her own to solidify a 3-0 win.
 
In four of the seven innings, Saint Leo forced 1-2-3s on the defending South Region champions.
 
SLU 9, UWA 6
In an early season test, the Lions overcame a 6-1 deficit in the fourth inning to score eight, unanswered runs in a 9-6 comeback win over the Tigers (1-1).
 
In her collegiate debut, Freshman Haleigh Thomas played a pivotal role in both the pitcher's circle and the plate.  The Lithia, Fla. native pitched four innings with no runs allowed and one hit while fanning six.  In the batter's box, Thomas' lone hit produced two RBIs that fueled the Lions' comeback run.
 
Junior infielder Alexandra Hare went 2-for-4 with four RBIs, nearly hitting for the cycle with a double and triple.
 
In the sixth inning, the Lions recorded the five runs needed to tie the game 6-6 before a Tigers' outfield error in the seventh, coupled with Hare's 2RBI triple, gave the Green & Gold the three go-ahead runs that ultimately led to the 9-6 victory.
 
Head Coach Erin Kinberger had just one word to say after the team's thrilling opening day wins: "Proud."
 
The Lions continue action at the Gulf Shores Invitational Saturday with games against Montevallo (at 11 a.m. EST) and Lander (1:30 p.m. EST).
 
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.