Box Score SAINT LEO, Fla. - The Eckerd softball team dropped the opener of a three-game weekend series at No. 10 Saint Leo on Friday evening, 3-0.
SLU's Stephanie Adkins tossed a two-hitter with 10 strikeouts and retired the first 10 batters she faced before
Crystal Garcia broke up the bid for perfection with a single to right center.  Garcia moved into scoring position with one out on a passed ball but was stranded there.
The Tritons (11-16, 0-4 SSC) threatened again in the top of the fifth after
Nikole Van Gennep singled and
Dana Paul reached on an error to open the inning. Â However, Adkins struck out the next three hitters to escape unscathed.
Van Gennep kept the Lions' bats at bay for three innings before Saint Leo scored in the fourth after two hits and a throwing error. Â The Lions (19-6, 2-2 SSC) cushioned their lead in the fifth inning with two more runs coming via an RBI single by Kacie Kelly and a run-scoring groundout by Ciera Schumaker.
Adkins took care of the rest, retiring the side in order in the sixth and seventh innings.
Van Gennep (7-12) took the loss, allowing three runs - two earned - in five innings while striking out six. Â
Janna Gaburo tossed a scoreless inning of relief in the sixth.
The teams conclude the series on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at noon.
