SAINT LEO, Fla. – The No.26-ranked Saint Leo women’s tennis team (2-0) used an unblemished singles record en route to a dominating 8-1, non-conference win over the University of Tampa (0-2), Wednesday evening from the Saint Leo Tennis Center.

The Lions have now won five of their last six regular season matches with the Spartans.

Overall, the Lions controlled the pace of play from the beginning of the match as they took two-of-three doubles matches, before sweeping the singles side.

The battle of region teams saw Saint Leo gain a critical match advantage as they took the two-of-three on the doubles side.

Laura Kemkes and Adrianna Daszkiewicz tallied the Lions first point of the match as they downed the Tampa duo of Raymond and Beckham, 8-0. A short time later, the Lions No. 2 par of Jeanette McDonald and Selma Hidass took out the team of Hewett and Caropino, 8-2.  The Lions lone doubles loss came at the Spartan hands of Mancini and Ryan as Bethania Laan and Caroline Ebner were edged, 8-5.

The loss at No. 3 doubles did not disrupt the Lions’ momentum, however, as only one Spartan managed to score more than two points in any set.

McDonald jump started the Lions impressive run as she upended Beckham in straight-sets, 6-0, 6-0, at No. 2 singles. Daszkiewicz followed her teammate with an impressive stretch at No. 5 as she overwhelmed Ryan, 6-1, 6-0.

Laan and Hidass followed with identical, 6-2, 6-0 scores, respectively. Laan was triumphant at No. 1, downing Hewett to help secure the match. Hidass, on the other hand, added to the Lions total with an imposing win at No. 4.

Kemkes tripped-up Raymond at No. 3 singles, 6-2, 6-0, and Ebner withstood a second-set comeback attempt by Caropino, claiming a 6-1, 6-4 win.

On the successful day, Coach James Bryce stated, “We had a good team effort today. One and two doubles got us off to a great start and it continued into singles. We played with confidence and will look to take this momentum into the weekend.” He went on to say, “I would also like to congratulate Caroline Ebner on her first singles win in a Lions’ uniform.”

The Lions will now prepare for their first road match of the season as they will head to Daytona Beach, Fla. to take on Embry Riddle University on Saturday, February 12. Doubles is schedule to begin at 11:00 a.m. from the Crotty Tennis Complex.