Saint Leo Softball Ranked No. 1 in Div. II

Lions on historic 31-game winning streak, eyeing undefeated conference season

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in navy, emerald, and gold depicting the dynamic action of a softball game, with players and the ball fractured into overlapping angular shapes, conveying the team's cohesive and competitive spirit.Saint Leo's softball team has shattered records and expectations with its undefeated conference run and No. 1 national ranking, reflecting the program's tight-knit 'sisterhood' mentality.Hernando Today

The Saint Leo University softball team has soared to the top of the Division II rankings, riding a school-record 31-game winning streak. Led by coach Erin Kinberger, the Lions are 36-2-1 overall and a perfect 21-0 in the highly competitive Sunshine State Conference. The team's success has been fueled by a close-knit 'sisterhood' mentality, with key contributors like Hernando County natives Sydney Cline and Izzy LaRoche leading the charge.

Why it matters

Saint Leo's dominant season has put the small private university on the national map, showcasing the program's ability to recruit and develop talent from across the country, including the local Hernando County area. The Lions' potential to host an NCAA regional and make a deep tournament run would be a major accomplishment for the school and the Sunshine State Conference.

The details

With a three-game sweep over Florida Southern College, Saint Leo extended its school-record winning streak to 31 games, the second-longest active streak in NCAA Division II softball. The Lions' only two losses came early in the season, and they have been unstoppable since, outscoring opponents 274-61 during the streak. Saint Leo's roster features players from Canada, the Midwest, Northeast, and Florida, but two key contributors are from the local Hernando County area - junior outfielder Sydney Cline and junior third baseman Izzy LaRoche.

  • Saint Leo is 36-2-1 overall and 21-0 in Sunshine State Conference play.
  • The Lions' 31-game winning streak is the longest in school history, surpassing the previous record of 23 straight wins set in 2016.
  • Saint Leo will play its final regular-season home series on May 1-2 against Lynn University.
  • The Lions will wrap up the regular season the following weekend with a three-game series at Eckerd College.

The players

Erin Kinberger

Saint Leo's head softball coach, a former standout catcher for the Lions who is now in her 12th season leading the program.

Sydney Cline

A junior outfielder from Hernando High School who is hitting .355 with 11 doubles, a triple, and two home runs this season.

Izzy LaRoche

A junior third baseman from Nature Coast Technical High School who leads Saint Leo with a .423 batting average and is tied for the team lead with six home runs.

Shyanne Waller

A fifth-year senior utility player from Citrus High School in Inverness, described by Kinberger as a 'difference-maker' who does all the 'little things' to help the team win.

Tierney Hocquard

One of the top two pitchers for the Lions, along with her sister Chloe, hailing from Canada.

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What they’re saying

“We believe in ourselves and we've stayed focused on us. I think women are pack animals naturally and that's helped us build a sisterhood and an understanding of selflessness. Iron sharpens iron. There's no such thing as a self-made person. That only occurs with the help of others.”

— Erin Kinberger, Saint Leo Head Coach

“Syd is tough and gritty and she's been a big contributor since the day she walked in here. She gets the job done, no matter what the circumstances are. She's just so clutch. We have a really strong coach-to-player connection. She acts and talks like an adult. I'm probably tougher on her than I am on anybody. But she's a coach's dream.”

— Erin Kinberger, Saint Leo Head Coach

“I don't take very well to soft coaching. Coach K reminds me a lot of my mom (Amy Cline), and that, and the fact that Saint Leo is only 30 minutes away from home, is why I came here.”

— Sydney Cline, Saint Leo Junior Outfielder

“I love the way she moves and she's an unbelievable athlete. She also has a personality that just knocks your socks off. From the day she got here, everybody has loved Izzy. She fits perfectly into the sisterhood that we always talk about.”

— Erin Kinberger, Saint Leo Head Coach

“We set our minds on very high goals. We're all so close and our dugout is insane. Everybody, even the ones that aren't playing, is totally into it. That's why I can see us doing something very special.”

— Izzy LaRoche, Saint Leo Junior Third Baseman

What’s next

If the Lions can run the table, they'll become the first softball team in Sunshine State Conference history to go undefeated in league play. If Saint Leo continues with anything close to its current pace, the Lions should have a strong chance of hosting a regional round of the NCAA Tournament at Mary Cannon Cabot Stadium. And, if the Lions keep rolling, they could end up in the Final Four of the NCAA Division II Tournament.

The takeaway

Saint Leo's dominant softball season has put the small private university on the national map, showcasing the program's ability to recruit and develop talent from across the country, including the local Hernando County area. The close-knit 'sisterhood' mentality of the team, led by coach Erin Kinberger, has fueled their historic run and has them poised for potential postseason success.