SAINT LEO, Fla. – After Friday's contest featured a pitching duel for the ages between both teams' aces, Saturday afternoon's doubleheader was all about the bats, as the #14 Saint Leo University softball team and Nova Southeastern each took a game on the day.  The Sharks defeated the Lions 10-3 in the first tilt before the Green & Gold blanked NSU 9-0 in five innings at University Softball Stadium.
 
Game One: NSU 10, #14 SLU 3
Despite the score line, Saint Leo (33-6, 15-3 SSC) got the best of Nova Southeastern (25-10, 9-6 SSC) at the plate, outhitting the Sharks 8-6.  Deuces were wild for Junior infielder Alexandra Hare, who went 2-for-2 at the dish while picking up two stolen bases.  Sophomore outfielder Hope Epps and Freshman outfielder Bianca Polistina each hit 2-for-3 and recorded one RBI apiece.
 
Junior pitcher Morgan Shannon (3-1) started the first game in a contest that featured four different pitchers for Saint Leo in the circle.  Freshman pitcher Ainsley Perdicaris saw the majority of action, throwing three and one-third innings to allow one hit and no runs while striking out three.
 
Nova Southeastern took advantage early in the first, posting a five-run inning lead before adding another run to jump out to a 6-0 lead.
 
Polistina and Epps recorded their respective RBIs in the second inning to cut the deficit to four (6-2) before the Sharks' bats came alive two innings later, taking a 10-2 lead.
 
The Lions found one more run off Junior Ciara Ford's at-bat, as a Sharks' fielding error allowed Polistina to score.
 
Game Two: #14 SLU 9, NSU 0 (5 inn.)
For the second, straight weekend, the Lions won its final game of a conference series in five innings, outhitting the Sharks 10-2.  Hare and Polistina once again had strong showings at the plate, each hitting 2-for-3 while tallying two and one RBIs, respectively.
 
Once again, Junior pitcher Kayla Betts (17-1) shut out the Sharks, pitching a complete game with seven strikeouts.
 
Similar to the Sharks in Game One, the Lions built a big lead early, scoring six runs in the opening inning, highlighted by Sophomore infielder Shyanne Waller's 2RBI double.
 
Two innings later, Hare blasted a 2RBI double to left center to extend the Lions' lead to 8-0 before Freshman infielder Briana Neal brought home Hare for the game's final run of the day.
 
Betts finished the day allowing no more than five at-bats in each inning, as the Lions prevailed 9-0 in the rubber match to take the series on the 2023 season.
 
The Green & Gold are on the road Wednesday for the team's final non-conference games of the season, travelling to St. Augustine, Fla. for a twin bill tilt against Flagler College.  First pitch is set for 4 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.