SAINT LEO, Fla. (Apr. 16, 2010) - The Nova Southeastern softball team (38-15, 14-5 SSC) returned to the win column with a 7-2 victory over the Saint Leo Lions (19-26, 6-10 SSC).

Dani Caron (Sr., Wilmington, Fla.) had an all around solid game in the Sharks' return to Sunshine State Conference play. She only allowed two runs and three hits while striking out five batters. She now has a team-high 16 wins this season. On offense, Caron went 2-for-4 with a double and a run.

Lauren Lopez (Sr., Miami, Fla.) also had a strong outing and drove in four of her team's seven total runs. Laura Saladrigas (Fr., Hollywood, Fla.) also came up big with two doubles and an RBI.

The Sharks took an immediate lead in the opening inning by scoring two runs. Noemi Luciani (Sr., Miami, Fla.) and Rachel Talenfeld (Jr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) both reached base to lead off the game and were advanced on a sacrifice hit from Lopez.

Jessica Hernandez (Sr., Miami, Fla.) hit a single to left field that drove home Luciani. The Sharks almost scored on the play but Talenfeld was caught in a pickle and called out at home plate. Saladrigas sent Hernandez home with her first double through the left side.

The Lions scored a run off a solo bomb in the bottom of the first, but the Sharks struck back in the second by scoring three runs. Brittany Phillips (Jr., Seminole, Fla.) and Luciani both reached base off singles before Talenfeld loaded the bases with a walk. Lopez took advantage of the golden opportunity by driving home all runners with a double up the middle.

The Sharks would increase their lead in the sixth and seventh innings when Brittney Lamb (Sr., West Palm Beach, Fla.) and Lopez both drove in runs. The Lions were able to blast another home run past right field but could not spark a rally.

NSU will conclude its three-game series tomorrow when the Sharks return to Saint Leo for a double-header beginning at 1 pm.