Melbourne, Fla. (February 23, 2008) – Saint Leo women’s tennis (1-3, 1-1) defeated the Florida Tech Panthers (3-3, 1-2), 5-4 Saturday afternoon at Fee Avenue Courts.

The Lions won one of the three doubles matches on the afternoon. No. 3 duo Shaena Keefe (So., Spring Hill, Fla.) and Gina Schifano (So., Tampa, Fla.) blew past the Panthers pair of Jelani Reynolds and Sarah Collins 8-0. The No. 2 pair of Veronica Queen (Fr., Valrico, Fla.) and Taylor Cleaves (So., Norwell, Mass.) came up just short against the tandem of Andrea Madrigal and Nicole David dropping the match 8-6. The No. 1 Lions’ duo of Lina Benkirane (So., Csablanca, Morocco) and Asmaa Tazi (Jr., Casablanca, Morocco) fell in their match to Natalia Ramos and Michaela Horvathova 8-4.

The tide turned in singles action, as the four of the six singles player picked up victories. No. 1 singles player Benkirane took down Horvathova in two sets 6-3, 6-3. No. 4 Queen also did her part in defeating the Panthers No. 4 singles player Nicole David in three sets 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. Saint Leo No. 5 singles player Schifano also picked a crucial victory for Saint Leo, as she prevailed over her opponent Annie Brethour, 6-0, 6-1. While the No.6 player Cleaves, finished off her opponent quickly 6-1, 6-0.