SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women’s tennis team (9-4) collected their second consecutive win as they defeated Rockhurst University (6-2), 8-1, Thursday evening from the Saint Leo Tennis Center.

Saint Leo controlled the contest for the majority of the evening as they took two-of-three doubles matches before sweeping the singles side.

The Saint Leo No.1 tandem of Bethania Laan and Laura Kemkes defeated Erin Bales and Rachel Lazenby, 8-1. Jeanette McDonald and Adranna Daszkiewicz followed with an impressive 8-3 win over Mary Lanaghen and Karsyn Betts at No.3.

However, the Hawks did register one point as Maureen Rielley and Rachel Lanaghen edged the Lions’ team of Selma Hidass and Caroline Ebner, 9-7.

The Lions took their 2-1 lead into singles action where Kemkes blanked Bales, 6-0, 6-0, to post the team’s third point.

Daszkiewicz also impressed at No.5 as she allowed only one point to Leigh-Anne Fourie, defeating her 6-1, 6-0. Laan secured the match for the home standing Lions as she bounced the 30th-ranked Rielley, 6-3, 6-2.

Ebner echoed her teammate’s efforts as she earned a three-set win over Jaycie Schmidt, 6-4, 4-6, 10-3. Hidass followed with an overwhelming straight-sets win over Lazenby, 6-2, 6-0.

Down a set, McDonald put a stamp on the team’s victory as she battles back to best Betts in a three-set tiebreak, 4-6, 6-1, 10-5.

Head Coach James Bryce continued to be impressed by the team’s adjustments, “Tonight was a great team performance. We played the important points better than we have for much of the season. I am happy for the ladies and I believe bigger strides are in order as we move forward.”

The Lions will look to continue their winning ways on Sunday, March 13 when they host Wayne State (Neb.). Doubles action is set to begin at 10:00 a.m.