W. PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Saint Leo women’s tennis team could not rebound from injuries they suffered at the conclusion of the doubles matches in their 7-2 loss to Palm Beach Atlantic on Friday night in South Florida.

The Lions (0-2) fell behind 2-1 after only Jeanette McDonald and Taylor Cleaves’ tandem posted an 8-2 win at No. 3 doubles, but as the teams transitioned to singles play, McDonald, along with singles No. 2 Asmaa Tazi were not able to continue.

With two players out, the Lions were forced to adjust the lineup and default at the No. 6 position.  In singles play, the Lions’ No. 1 Lina Benkirane managed to upend PBA’s Montse Ripoll, 3-6, 7-5, 11-9 (9-7) but no other Lion could pull out the win.

The Lions will spend the night in South Florida as they face Barry University tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.  The first Sunshine State Conference match of the season will take place in Miami Shores between the Lions and the team that ended Saint Leo’s 2008 season.