SAINT LEO, Fla.– The Saint Leo women's lacrosse team faced Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday afternoon at University Turf Stadium, falling in a close match-up, 8-6.

Saint Leo was led offensively by Abbie Ross with two goals, going 1-1 on free position attempts. Kelly Smigiera, Anna Tamayo and Maddie Ozog all recorded their first season goal during the non-conference match-up, while Jennifer Doyle added her sixth of the season.

The Lions defense held sturdy as they kept the visiting Owls to zero for eight on free position attempts. Freshman goalkeeper Rebecca Halley tied her season-high for saves as she stopped 12 from reaching the back of the net.

The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo 6 | Southern Connecticut 8
Location: University Turf Stadium | Saint Leo, Fla.
Records: Saint Leo 2-7 | Southern Connecticut 3-4

How It Happened 
1H | The Owls opened up the game, just five minutes in, with an unassisted goal to take the first lead of the game. Strong defensive play from both ends left the game scoreless for ten minutes until Tamayo capitalized on a free position attempt to get the first Saint Leo mark on the board. Nicole Healey of Southern Connecticut scored another unassisted goal followed by a Doyle point for the Lions to tie it back up. Healey snuck one more in to give the Owls the lead right before half. |Southern Connecticut 3-2|

2H | Southern Connecticut started the second half similar to the first as they dodged around the Green and Gold to find the back of the net to take a two-goal lead. Saint Leo responded with its only 2-0 run of the game as Ozog netted a free position and a combo from Allie Sheftall to Smigiera scored an uncontested goal to tie the game four-all. Southern Connecticut bounced back, scoring three unanswered goals to end the Lions' run. Ross seemed to be Saint Leo's last pull for a comeback as she added a free position attempt, man-up goal, but another visitor's goal brought the game to 8-5. Ross continued her strong effort as she caused a turnover and streaked down the field for a fast-break goal with a tumble, but ultimately it was not enough as the time on the clock ran out. |Southern Connecticut 8-6|

Up Next
Saint Leo women's lacrosse team will play at home Saturday, April 2 versus No. 3 Lindenwood (MO) at University Turf Stadium at 1:00 p.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's lacrosse team, visit SaintLeoLions.com.  Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.