SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University women’s soccer team (10-2, 3-1 SSC) defeated the Barry University Buccaneers (7-6-1, 1-4-1 SSC), 1-0 at University Field Saturday evening.

The Lions managed to top the Bucs in a very physical game that featured four yellow cards.  Hannah Beard provided the game-changer for the Lions, as she crashed the net late in the match heading home the eventual game-winner.  Malloree Enoch registered her fifth assist of the season and also added a shot-on-goal.  Jaime Smith launched two shots-on-goal, while Pia Soesemann added another.

The first half was witness to a 0-0 stalemate, with both teams demonstrating excellent defense.  The Lions did have their chances though, but were not able to convert on ten shots, including four shots-on-goal.  Saint Leo also had multiple set pieces, while totaling six first half corner kicks. The Buccaneers also accumulated five shots of their own, but none were of any threat to SLU senior ‘keeper Lauren Hudson.

The constant Saint Leo pressure finally paid off in the second half.  In the 77th minute, Enoch chased down and saved a ball that was rolling out of bounds on the right near touchline.  With no defenders around her, she crossed it over multiple Barry players towards the far post, finding Beard charging up left side of the box.  Beard struck a one-timer with her head and planted her 34th point of the season into the back of the net. With the Lions up 1-0 the defense tightened drastically for Saint Leo allowing only one shot for the Bucs the rest of the way.

SLU totaled seven corner kicks on the night while outshooting the Buccaneers 17-6.  The teams combined for 26 total fouls.

Even though she did not record a save, Hudson posted her seventh clean sheet of the season, while improving to 9-2 overall.

The Lions take a break from SSC action as they take on the Palm Beach Atlantic University on Wednesday, October 15 at University Field.  Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.