Tampa, Fla. (February 27, 2008) – The Saint Leo women’s tennis team (2-3) swept the University of Tampa (2-8) in non-conference action Wednesday afternoon at the UT Tennis Complex in Tampa.

The Lions started their afternoon with remarkable play in each of their doubles matches. The Lions would sweep the Spartans in three straight matches with the combination of the Lions’ Taylor Cleaves (So., Norwell, Mass.) and Shaena Keefe (So., Spring Hill, Fla.) being the most striking Lions’ win of the afternoon. The pair went up against the Spartans duo of Caitlin Scudder and Emily Kennedy with the Lions coming out on top 8-4. The duo of Gina Schifano (So., Tampa, Fla.) and Veronica Queen (Fr., Valrico, Fla.) were also imposing in their match as they were victorious 8-2.

The outstanding doubles action gave Saint Leo all the momentum heading into singles play. The Lions received points from their one through six position players in the sweep of the Spartans. The most impressive victories on the day for the Lions came at number one player, Lina Benkirane and their number six player Taylor Cleaves. Benkiraine (So., Casablanca, Morocco) defeated the Tampa one seed by the scores of 6-0, 6-2. Meanwhile, Cleaves took control of her match early and did not let up as she won 6-1, 6-3.

The Lions women return to action again with a home match Thursday, February 28 at 3:00 p.m. against the University of Puerto Rico.