SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's lacrosse team took down a strong Belmont Abbey squad on Wednesday evening with a 9-7 win in dramatic fashion at University Turf Stadium.

The Lions, who went into the break with a 5-4 lead, saw the Crusaders come back and tie the game at 7-7 with just 11:32 left to play in the half. A rip by Neely Regan on a free position attempted ended up being the game-winner for the Lions, and a nasty move by Caroline Fraser gave the Lions a two-goal cushion they were able to maintain for the rest of the game.

Fraser led the team with two goals, both in the second half and one assist, while Regan also finished with two goals. Kaylah Walstad ended with one goal and one assist for two points.

The Basics
Saint Leo topped Belmont Abbey, 9-7
Location: University Turf Stadium | Saint Leo, Fla.
Records: Saint Leo 4-3 | Belmont Abbey 4-4

How it happened
1H |Saint Leo saw Katherine Larson snag the first score of the game off a free-position shot, but the Crusaders would score back-to-back goals to take the lead. Neely Regan would even things back up as she scored off a beautiful pass from Kaylah Walstad. However, Belmont Abbey would against take the lead just a minute later. Walstad would find the back of the net on her own, and senior The Crusaders would tally a man-up goal with 2:33 to play in the half. Saint Leo won six draws in the half, and Rebecca Halley made four saves in net. | Saint Leo 5-4

2H | Caroline Fraser scored her first goal of the game with just 15 seconds off the clock, but the Crusaders would tack on one of their own to bring it back to a one-goal differential. Abbie Ross dished the rock to Leslie Ferguson for the Saint Leo score, but Belmont Abbey would score two-straight goals, both by the stick of Rebecca Stromberg off the pass from Caitlin Cook. But with a boisterous crowd on the side of the Lions, they stormed back. Regan was awarded a free position shot with 10:12 left to play. The sophomore ripped the shot and marked the game winner for the Lions. Just 24 seconds later, Fraser stormed back down the field and whipped around the Crusaders' defense. She put the nail in the coffin for the Lions with her nifty moves. Saint Leo was able to possess and defend the final 10 minutes of action and take the game. | Saint Leo 9-7

Points to note
Caroline Fraser is up to 22 points on the season, tying her highest total of her prior three seasons. Fraser finished 2016 with 22 points.
Rebecca Halley finished with six saves and earned the win.
Saint Leo caused 11 turnovers and won 12 draw controls.

Up Next
Saint Leo continues their home stand as they host Alabama-Huntsville on Saturday, March 18 for a 1 p.m. contest.

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.