Lynn University

SAINT LEO, Fla. - The Lynn University softball team battled but was unable to overcome an early deficit and a big middle-inning surge from top-ranked Saint Leo, falling 10-2 in six innings in the series finale on Saturday. The Fighting Knights showed flashes offensively with seven hits and timely responses in the third and sixth innings, but the Lions capitalized on key errors and a four-run fifth inning to pull away and secure the run-rule victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Saint Leo jumped out in front in the first, using a double and a Lynn throwing error to plate two runs and take an early 2-0 lead
- The Fighting Knights responded in the third, stringing together three consecutive hits as Aiyana Hicks delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1
- Lynn threatened again in the middle innings, putting runners in scoring position in the fourth and fifth, but was unable to come up with the timely hit
- The Lions added to their lead in the fourth, capitalizing on another Lynn error and a pair of RBI singles to extend the margin to 4-1
- Saint Leo broke the game open in the fifth, taking advantage of walks, an error and timely hitting to score four runs and push the lead to 8-1
- The Fighting Knights showed life in the sixth, as Marina Goins singled and later scored on an RBI single from Quinn McFadden to make it 8-2
- Saint Leo answered immediately in the bottom half with a two-run single to extend the lead to 10-2
- Lynn was unable to mount a comeback late, as the Lions secured the run-rule victory in the series finale
 
FIGHTING KNIGHT STATS:
- Lynn totaled 2 runs on 7 hits, with scoring coming in the third and sixth innings
- Teagan Riley led the offense, going a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate
- Hicks delivered an RBI single, while McFadden added a pinch-hit RBI knock
- Kyleigh Hope, Onnalee Floriano and Marina Goins each contributed a hit in the lineup
- The Fighting Knights utilized small ball, recording two sacrifice bunts from Floriano and Kylie Burden
- Defensively, Lynn turned one double play to limit damage in the middle innings
- In the circle, Savannah Ellis got the start, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) over 2.0 innings
- Gabriella Lindsey followed with 2.0 innings, surrendering 2 runs (1 earned) while recording a strikeout
- Kayley Zazzali worked in relief, allowing 6 runs (4 earned) over 1.1 innings as Saint Leo broke the game open
 
UP NEXT:
Lynn returns home for the final SSC series of the regular season as the Fighting Knights welcome Nova Southeastern to Tish Messinger Stadium for Senior Day weekend. Game one is set for Friday at 3 p.m.