SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University softball team earned a series victory over the Florida Tech Panthers with a doubleheader sweep on Saturday. The Lions won game one behind strong pitching and timely hitting, 4-2. The final game of the series saw limited action as the pitching on both sides combined to allow a single run as the Lions won 1-0 in nine innings thanks to a walk off base hit by
Alyssa Perez. Saint Leo improves to 21-9 overall and 9-3 in SSC action.
Morgan Shannon picked up her sixth win of the season pitching five innings allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out four.
Tierney Hocquard entered in relief in the sixth inning allowing just a single run on one hit.
Ainsley Perdicaris earned the save as she stranded an inherited runner by sending down the Panthers in order.
Kayla Swinson twirled a gem in game two as she held the Panthers hitless through seven innings before allowing a lead off base hit in the eighth. The senior pitched nine innings of scoreless softball allowing just two hits while striking out three, walking none and hitting two.
Sydney Cline had a pair of doubles in the first game and scored a run.
Shyanne Waller also had a multi-hit game as she went two-for-three also with a run scored.
Hailey Beuerlein hit a solo shot to left field to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning, her team-leading third of the season.
Hope Epps made an incredible diving grab in centerfield off the bat of Florida Tech's Maya Ogbodiewg, who homered in the series opener.
The Lions ended the day in the bottom of the ninth of game two as Perez came to the plate with two runners on and two out. Pinch runner
Grace Dunsworth scored the game winning run as Perez sent a base hit through the left side of the infield.
UP NEXT
Saint Leo returns to the diamond on Wednesday for a non-conference doubleheader against Adelphi. First pitch of game one is set for 5:30 p.m. and Florida Tech return to University Softball Stadium to conclude the Sunshine State Conference series on Saturday with first pitch of game one set for noon.