FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Nova Southeastern Sharks fell in all three games of its series against No. 1 Saint Leo, despite comeback efforts.

 Game 1

Score: No. 1 Saint Leo 5, Nova Southeastern 0
Pitching Decisions: W: T. Hocquard (16-1), L: A. Richiez (4-6)
Records: No. 1 Saint Leo (37-2-1, 22-0 SSC) | Nova Southeastern (22-19, 8-11 SSC)      
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | NSU Softball Stadium          

 Game 1

• Saint Leo charged out to an early start using small ball base running to take an early lead in its first ever game ranked No. 1 in program history. A hit-by-pitch, stolen base and RBI single was enough to tally the first run for the Lions.
• NSU struggled to get the bats going before SLU put up a four spot in the fourth with three RBI singles and a steal of home.
• The Sharks didn't get a runner into scoring position the entire night as Tierney Hocquard struck out a season-high 11 in the complete game shutout.
• Ana Richiez led the offensive night for the Sharks while also appearing in the circle as she had two of the Sharks' three base hits.

  Game 2

Score: No. 1 Saint Leo 3, Nova Southeastern 2
Pitching Decisions: W: T. Hocquard (17-1), L: G. Wallace (13-10)
Records: No. 1 Saint Leo (38-2-1, 23-0 SSC) | Nova Southeastern (22-20, 8-12 SSC)      
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | NSU Softball Stadium          

 Game 2

• Both pitchers went perfect through the first two innings before Saint Leo struck in the third on a 12-pitch walk followed by a Briana Neal home run to left-centerfield.
• The Sharks and Lions traded blows each getting runners into scoring position but failing to score.
• NSU finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth with runners at second and third. Destiny Lewis roped a triple into the right-center gap scoring two to tie the game in the sixth.
• Lewis was called out on the next play for accidentally running into the Lions' third baseman on a ball hit down the line.
• The Lions scored in the next inning on an RBI fielder's choice to take the lead 3-2.
• NSU couldn't get a base runner in the bottom of the seventh, clinching the series for SLU.

 Game 3
Score: No. 1 Saint Leo 11, Nova Southeastern 3
Pitching Decisions: W: A. Wright (9-0), L: A. Richiez (4-7)
Records: No. 1 Saint Leo (39-2-1, 24-0 SSC) | Nova Southeastern (22-21, 8-13 SSC)      
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | NSU Softball Stadium          

 Game 3

• SLU scored first in the first on an RBI single after Briana Neal reached on an error.
• The Lions scored another quartet in the third taking advantage of another NSU error in the inning. Saint Leo led 5-0 at the Middle of the 3^rd.
• NSU struck back in the bottom of the inning with three consecutive base hits capped off by a Destiny Lewis RBI double into left field to cut the deficit to just three.
• The Green and Gold broke the ballgame open in the fourth scoring five times on three hits and two errors capped off by a Izzy LaRoche home run to give SLU an eight-run lead.
• Down to its final out in a run rule situation, Nova Southeastern scored to extend the ballgame after Destiny Lewis drew a ten pitch bases-loaded walk to tighten the gap to 10-3.
• Saint Leo responded in the sixth with a RBI fielder's choice to re-extend the lead to eight.
• NSU couldn't score in the bottom half despite two base runners to clinch the series sweep and 34^th consecutive victory for the Lions.

• Destiny Lewis: 3-8, 2 2B, 3B, 3 RBI
• Ana Richiez: 4-7, 2B, RBI, 10.2 Innings Pitched

The Sharks head on the road for another SSC conference series against Embry-Riddle on April 24 and 25. First pitch on April 24 is set for 6 p.m., while Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled to begin at noon. To stay up to date on Sharks Softball, be sure to follow on X and Instagram at NSUSoftball.