SAINT LEO, Fla. – Kicking off the 2014-15 season hosting the Saint Leo Classic presented by Sleep Inn, the Saint Leo University women's basketball team outdueled Armstrong State University by a 68-62 score, Friday afternoon. The Lions start the season 1-0 while the Pirates dip to 0-1.
"Tonight was a great first game for us. Armstrong is tough and athletic and certainly came to play," said head coach Missy West. "I am definitely happy with the win but we still need to improve especially with points close to the basket. Those were points that could have put the game away so we must get better."
The Lions scoring attack was led by forward Melissa Jackson who scored 17 points shooting an even .500 from the field. The senior missed a double-double by a rebound, posting nine boards and picking up an assist for the Green and Gold.
Guard Mary Redmond notched 16 points in her first collegiate game, totaling seven rebounds and a block. The freshman mirrored Jackson, shooting .500 while also hitting 6-for-8 from the free throw line.
"Mary Redmond had a big game for us and hit some key shots that gave us the spark in critical moments," said coach West. "Monique [Bunk] had some great steals and rebounds when we needed them. Melissa Jackson really stepped up her play considering getting into early foul trouble."
Armstrong was led by Brigitta Barta who scored the game-high 18 points for the Pirates. Shermika Harris followed with a 13 point day.
The Green and Gold jumped to a 6-0 score in the early minutes of the game as Jackson kicked off the attack with a three-pointer. The Lions did not surrender a lead in the first half as freshman Abby Peterson nailed the final shot of the first stanza to give the home squad a 37-30 lead heading into the break.
The Pirates came out of the intermission scoring seven points, but the Lions would not succumb to the pressure. Junior Chachi Guzman hit a jumper in the paint as Jackson sunk a pair of free throws to extend the SLU lead to 45-37. The Green and Gold continued to pummel Armstrong, as a Monique Bunk layup put the home team up 60-48 with six minutes remaining in the game. The Pirates would threaten, but ultimately fall to the Lions 68-62 to give Saint Leo its first win of the season.
"Overall, very happy with the heart and hustle of this team. We are building confidence and learning to play with discipline. One game at a time," concluded West.
The Lions will continue the Sleep Inn Classic with a 2 p.m. contest against Montevallo. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be made available through www.saintleolions.com.
For more information on the Saint Leo women's basketball program, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Also, be sure to 'Like' the Lions on Facebook and 'Follow' Saint Leo Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
