Alexa Russo Hone Run, Lilly Kiester Walk-Off Seal Opener for No. 5 Tampa

Alexa Russo
Alexa Russo
February 14, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 10 University of Tampa softball team registered another comeback victory, this time winning its Sunshine State Conference opener over visiting Saint Leo University.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Location: Naimoli Stadium | University of Tampa 

Final Score: No. 5 Tampa 3 | Saint Leo 2

History: Tampa now leads 73-71 in the all-time series, taking five of the last six over the Lions.

Records: Tampa (8-1, 1-0 SSC), Saint Leo (7-4, 0-1 SSC)

HOW IT HAPPENED - GAME ONE:

Saint Leo struck first in the third inning when Briana Neal ripped a two-run double, driving in Hope Epps and Shyanne Waller to give the Lions a 2-0 lead. Tampa struggled offensively through the first five innings as Saint Leo's Haleigh Thomas kept the Spartans in check. However, Tampa found its spark in the sixth inning. Alexa Russo came up clutch with a two-run homer to left field, bringing in Dacie Watterson to tie the game at 2-2. The Spartans completed their comeback in the bottom of the seventh when Lauren Fantone led off with a hit and eventually scored on a game-winning RBI single by Lilly Kiester, sealing the 3-2 victory for Tampa. Gwen McGinnis continued her dominant season, improving to 5-0 with a strong complete-game performance, while Thomas (4-2) took the tough-luck loss despite striking out six over 6.1 innings.

INSIDE THE STATS: 

UP NEXT: The Spartans host the Lions for a Saturday doubleheader to conclude the series. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.