LAKELAND, Fla. – The #18 Saint Leo University softball team picked up its 17th shutout of the season Friday night after another solid defensive effort, defeating Florida Southern 3-0 at Chris Bellotto Field.
 
Saint Leo (29-5, 11-2 SSC) was led by another solid showing from Freshman outfielder Bianca Polistina, hitting a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate.  Sophomore infielder Shyanne Waller hit 2-of-3 from the dish and produced one RBI.
 
Junior pitcher Kayla Betts (14-1) bounced back at the circle, fanning 14 while giving up only one hit with two walks in a complete effort.
 
After three scoreless innings, Junior infielder Alyssa Perez's leadoff single set the Green & Gold to add a run in the fourth inning.  Freshman utility Grace Dunsworth entered the game as a pinch runner for Perez at third as a fielder's choice hit from Sophomore outfielder Hope Epps brought in the Lindenhurst, Ill. native for the 1-0 lead.
 
One inning later, the Lions scored a pair of runs off RBI singles from Perez and Waller to extend its lead to 3-0.
 
The Green & Gold conclude the series with a doubleheader Saturday, with the first pitch set for 1 p.m.
 
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