The Columbus Lions clearly underestimated the improved Florida Stingrays.

In a previous meeting last month, the Lions clobbered the Stingrays 63-25, but that was before Riley Ware was appointed interim head coach of the Stingrays.

Ware and assistant coach Anthony Dixon have worked the past three weeks to give the Stingrays an opportunity to earn the franchise’s first victory. That much-sought-after win was within reach, but still proved elusive as the Lions again defeated the Stingrays 52-45 Saturday at the Lee Civic Center.

The Lions, fresh off a 53-48 victory over the previously unbeaten Mississippi Wildcats, believed the Stingrays (0-10) would be much less of a struggle.

The Stingrays, trailing 46-38, had a chance to even the score in the fourth quarter for the first time all season. Quarterback A.J. Rowque, however, failed to connect with wide receiver Kendell Newson in the end zone. Newson tried to grab his third TD catch of the night when his brother, Lions’ defensive back Keon Newson, broke up the play.

The Stingrays set the tone early by forcing two turnovers. On the Lions’ first two drives, the Stingrays defense produced a fumble recovery and interception.

“We’re coming along,” said Ware. “We’re going to keep fighting. That’s my motto every week. I want to go on defense first and we are going to stop them. We’re improving. I’m a hard person, I’m a very critical person. This is a game we gave away.”

The Stingrays offense shocked the Lions (8-3) with a quick opening drive that resulted in Chris Morant’s rushing TD. Early defensive stops were overshadowed by two interceptions and fumbles that led to a 32-21 halftime deficit.

In the fourth quarter, the Stingrays had to use two time-outs as the Lions leisurely drove down the field using up precious clock. The strategy worked, preventing the Stingrays from a last-ditch effort to score the tying touchdown.

The Stingrays’ quest for their first victory resumes Friday in Baltimore, Md., against the Mariners. The Stingrays and the Utah Saints remain the only winless teams in the AIFA.