ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Saint Leo women’s tennis team (7-13, 2-5 SSC) overcame a 2-1 doubles deficit, to win a Sunshine State Conference match, 5-4, over the Eckerd College Tritons, Friday afternoon from the Turley Athletic Complex.

It was not the beginning that Head Coach James Bryce may have wanted, being down 2-1 after doubles. But, a rapid comeback in singles play led them to an important SSC win.

In doubles, the Lions pair of Jeanette McDonald and Shaena Keefe lost a heartbreaker to Laing and Teets, 9-7, at the No. 1 spot. However, the Green and Gold’s No. 3 pair of Christine Clyne and Gina Schifano solidified victory in their match, racing through Ludwig and Hammerschmidt, 8-3.

It was a reversal of fortunes in singles play as the Lions claimed 4-of-6 matches. McDonald started the comeback with a thrilling three-set win over Laing. After dropping the first set 6-4, the junior rallied to dominate the next two sets 6-3, 6-2.

Keefe kept the momentum in the Lions favor, putting Jenks down also in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. Schifano improved to 2-0 on the day as she left her match a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Ironside.

Tamara Bustard continued to play a steady No. 6 singles, winning her eight match of the season in rapid fashion 6-2, 6-1. The match solidified the conference, come-from-behind win and snapped a two-match losing streak.

The squad will get a few days break before preparations begin for the Sunshine State Conference Championships which start on Sunday, April 15. Opponents and times will be announced at a later date. Florida Southern will act as the host for the event.