Today is April 19, 2026, and excitement is brewing in St. Leo as the Saint Leo University softball team continues to make waves in the world of collegiate sports. This historic season has seen the Lions not only sweep their conference rival, Nova Southeastern, but also extend their winning streak to an impressive 34 games.
In the final game of the series held on Saturday, April 19, 2026, Saint Leo secured a nail-biting victory with a score of 3-2. Highlighting the game, Briana Neal hit her sixth home run of the season, contributing significantly to the team’s total of 11 runs scored over the three-game series. With this performance, the Lions have solidified their dominance in the Sunshine State Conference.
Historic Ranking and Season
On April 14, 2026, the Saint Leo University softball team reached a milestone by becoming the number one ranked team in the nation, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). This is the first time in program history that the Lions have climbed to the top, receiving 15 of 16 first-place votes. The team boasts an overall record of 36-2-1 and is undefeated in conference play with a perfect 21-0.
Throughout this season, the Lions have demonstrated remarkable prowess, outscoring opponents 254-72 while limiting their batting average to just .186. Their team batting average stands at an impressive .353, with a slugging percentage of .504. Key players like Izzy LaRoche and Abigail Hynes have been vital to their success, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Lions will face Florida Tech in their next series scheduled for April 26-27, 2026. With three conference series remaining, including matchups against Lynn and Eckerd, the team’s momentum will be crucial as they aim to maintain their top position.
This stellar performance marks a significant achievement for the Saint Leo softball program, making them the first SSC softball team to earn a #1 ranking since Tampa in April 2025. The Lions are eager to continue their winning ways and make history as the season progresses.
For those following college softball, it’s worth noting that nationally, the competition is fierce. As of April 14, 2026, the Oklahoma Sooners lead the current top rankings after a series win against Texas, demonstrating the high stakes and talent prevalent in collegiate softball this season.
As the season unfolds, fans are encouraged to support the Lions and witness the incredible journey of this talented team. With a historic season already in the books, who knows what more lies ahead for Saint Leo University softball?