SAINT LEO, Fla. — The Palm Beach Atlantic softball team (8-17, 0-6 SSC) faced a tough challenge against No. 9-ranked Saint Leo (22-2-1, 9-0 SSC) on Saturday at Mary Cannon Cabot, ending with a 2-0 defeat. The 'Fish tallied three hits but couldn't convert, leaving six runners stranded.

Saint Leo got on the board in the second inning when Nia DeBenedittis singled, allowing Izzy LaRoche to cross the plate, making it 1-0 Lions after two.

In the third, the Lions added to their lead. Maddie Antioco drew a bases-loaded walk, bringing Briana Neal home, putting Saint Leo up 2-0 by the end of the third.

The rest of the game saw both teams held scoreless. The Sailfish had opportunities, notably with bases loaded in the first and runners on first and third in the second, but couldn't break through.

Kaitlyn Campbell made her mark with a hit and a walk. Rylee Little had a strong outing in the circle, delivering 3.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two. Miranda Rollins contributed with a hit and an assist at second base. Dianna Montidoro added a hit and an assist at shortstop.

Little's appearance included facing 17 batters, yielding only one hit and three walks, keeping the Lions in check. Starter Lauren Allen pitched 2.1 innings, giving up two earned runs on two hits while striking out one. Despite the early runs, Allen minimized damage by issuing just one walk during her stint.

PBA has another tough test next weekend, hosting Tampa at Simpson Field in a three-game series. Game one of the series takes place on Friday at 6 p.m.