ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Saint Leo women’s tennis team (3-2) dominated its match from start to finish, defeating the Eckerd College Tritons (0-2) for the ninth-straight time, Wednesday afternoon from the Turley Athletic Complex in non-Sunshine State Conference action.

The Lions overwhelmed the Tritons in a doubles sweep, before taking five of the final six singles matches to claim the important region win.

The Lions used the momentum to quickly solidify the match

Just as their men’s team did, the women saw No. 3 doubles securing the team’s opening point. Jeanette McDonald teamed with Adrianna Daszkiewicz to blank C.Hammerschmidt and Sonnet Ludwig, 8-0.

Shortly after, Selma Hidass and Caroline Ebner shutdown the Eckerd team of Telara Cuelow and Stephanie Jenks, 8-2,.

It wasn’t too much longer after the conclusions of Hidass/Ebner that Saint Leo wrapped-up its second doubles shutout of the 2011 season as Bethania Laan and Laura Kemkes downed Emmy Laing and Amanda Teet, 8-2.

Carrying all the momentum into singles action, the Lions did not drop a set until the ninth and final match.

Kemkes kicked-off singles play with a 6-0,6-0 shutout of Teets. Meanwhile, McDonald clinched the match moments later, as her 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 2 singles gave Saint Leo the necessary five points to solidify the match.

Laan posted a 6-2, 6-4 win at No. 1 singles against a difficult opponent in Laing while the No. 4 and 5 singles players of Daszkiewicz and Hidass then combined to surrender a single point over the next two matches. Daszkiewicz shutout her rival, 6-0, 6-0 and Hidass remained perfect until allowing one point in the final set of the already decided match.

The Lions have now won nine-straight matches over the Tritons.

Excited about the day’s events, Head Coach James Bryce stated, “I am happy that the girls rebounded from a tough loss to Nova last weekend. We played hard, and with good discipline, believe we can continue this momentum into Georgia and Alabama.” 

The Lions will now get prepped for their three-day trip to Georgia and Alabama. The Lions will open the road trek with a region contest against Peach Belt Conference foe, Columbus State. First serve is set for 3:00 p.m.