CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - For the first time in program history, the Saint Leo softball team will compete in the NCAA Division II Softball World Series National Championship Finale. Following the Lions 5-4 extra-innings win over fifth-seeded West Texas A&M, the Green & Gold solidified its spot in the best-of-three series and will face McKendree for the crown of DII Softball.
In the top of the 10th, with two outs and a 1-1 count to junior shortstop
Alexis Barber, the Florida native blasted a solo homer to left center field to give Saint Leo a 5-4 that helped lift the Lions to the NCAA National Championship Series. During the bottom of the 10th, junior pitcher
Alex Wright and the Lions defense held the Lady Buffs hitless to secure the victory.
In the fifth, West Texas A&M claimed a 3-0 after a throwing error by the Lions, however, Saint Leo answered as senior
Briana Neal capitalized on an error by the Lady Buffs to trim the West Texas A&M lead to 3-1. In the seventh, senior catcher
Hailey Beuerlein blasted a three-run homer to left field that gave the Lions a 4-3 lead. The Lady Buffs countered with a run in the bottom half of the seventh to send the game into extra innings.
In the circle, senior
Tierney Hocquard started and pitched 6.0 innings. She struck out one batter while allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits. In relief, junior
Alex Wright pitched 4.0 innings along with one strikeout and surrendered just one run (earned) on one hit. She earned the win and improved to 15-0 on the season.
The Lions will compete in the National Championship best-of-three seris versus sixth-seeded McKendree, starting on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 p.m. with game one at Frost Stadium.Â
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