SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University women's soccer team kicks off their 2017 season Sept. 1 in Memphis, Tenn. when they travel to play Christian Brothers and West Alabama for the opening weekend. The Lions and the Bucs are slated for 6 p.m. (ET) on Friday before the Lions and Tigers go at it on Sunday at 10 a.m.
 
Saint Leo, who finished last year with a 13-4-1 record and a 7-1-1 mark in the Sunshine State Conference, is under the guidance of new head coach Mario Rincon and assistant coach Aaron Tritch who look to take the 2016 SSC Champions back to the NCAA postseason. Saint Leo added 12 student-athletes to the returning 17, where the Lions will look to replace the program's all-time leading goal scorer (65) and points (151) leader, Arielle Kabangu.
 
The Lions bring in two defenders to the pitch this year, Lauren Boos and Meghan Slaybaugh, and four forwards, Angelina Troche, Neliah Wilson, Kelli Hippenmeyer, and Bailey Hern. The Green and Gold added six midfielders to an already deep core, Vanessa Sefriou, Sydney Chase, Cajsa Lundstrom, Jelani Ashley, Sophia Kenny and Payton Ruehling.
 
Like last year, the Lions were tabbed fifth in the SSC preseason poll, where Saint Leo went on to win both the regular season title and tournament title before hosting the first and second rounds of the NCAA South Regional.
 
In the 2016 matchups between the Lions and West Alabama and Christian Brothers, Saint Leo defeated the Tigers (2-1) and the Bucs (3-1) at home. In the Lions and Tigers game, Saint Leo scored two first half goals, in the 27^th and 37 minutes, as the Tigers scored one in the 68^th minute. Saint Leo tackled Christian Brothers 3-1 as the Lions jumped ahead early in the 11^th minute and two more in the second half in the 60^th and 62^nd minutes before the Bucs finally put one on the board in the 69^th minute.  
 
Saint Leo takes 13 days off before taking the field against Embry-Riddle on Sept. 16 to open the home and Sunshine State Conference portion of their schedule with a scheduled start time of 6 p.m. at University Soccer Field.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's soccer 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.