SAINT LEO, Fla. — Florida Southern College (8-23, 2-13 SSC) fell to No. 2 Saint Leo (33-2-1, 18-0 SSC) with a final score of 10–2 through five innings at Mary Cannon Cabot Stadium. Despite scoring two runs in the fifth inning, the Moccasins were unable to overcome a dominant seven-run fourth inning by the Lions.
Florida Southern faced off against Saint Leo in a matchup that saw significant action in the later innings. In the first inning, the Lions took an early lead when Briana Neal scored on a fielding error, placing them ahead 1-0.
The fourth inning was pivotal as Saint Leo extended its lead significantly. Following a series of hits and an error, the Lions scored seven runs, bringing the score to 8-0.
Florida Southern responded in the fifth inning.
Gigi Polanco reached third on a fielding error and scored on a sacrifice fly by
Hannah Lewis.
Gabby Young then scored on another error, narrowing the deficit. Despite these efforts, Saint Leo added two more runs in the bottom of the inning, securing a 10–2 victory for the Lions.
Young contributed to the Moccasins' offense with one run and one hit. Lewis added a crucial RBI with her sacrifice fly.
Nei Nei De Jesus recorded two hits to bolster the team's hitting efforts. Despite limited innings,
Des Aitken pitched 2 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run.
Aitken pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run while issuing four walks and throwing 50 pitches, with 28 of those being strikes.
Natalie Snowden came in for one inning, giving up six runs on six hits and hitting one batter, throwing 28 pitches, 18 for strikes.
Amanda Lieberman pitched 1/3 of an inning, allowing three runs on three hits with one walk and two wild pitches in her 19-pitch appearance.
Abigail Hynes led the team with two RBIs, along with scoring a run and hitting a double in their recent game. Izzy LaRoche matched her RBI total and contributed with two hits, a walk, and a sacrifice fly. Sydney Cline also drove in two runs, adding a hit to her performance. Alexis Barber scored twice and reached base with a hit and a hit by pitch. On the mound, Tierney Hocquard pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs and striking out three batters over five innings.
The Mocs will face the Lions in a doubleheader on Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. ET at Mary Cannon Cabot Stadium in Dade City, Florida.
