SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo opened the 2018-19 season as the Gulf South Conference / Sunshine State Conference Challenge hosts on Friday in the Marion Bowman Activities Center. Saint Leo ran away from Shorter in the third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 21-4 on the way to a 62-43 victory.
Gina Brierley opened her junior campaign with 20 points over the Hawks sinking 5-of-8 around the arc, scoring 7-of-12 from the field. She added six assists, six rebounds and a steal to her big opening performance.
Casey Wortley, a transfer to Saint Leo, also tallied double-figures with 12 points making 5-of-11 field goals and 2-of-4 attempts beyond the arc. Wortley led the Lions' rebounding efforts with nine.
How It Happened
- Brierley scored 14 points in the first two quarters alone. She changed the momentum of the game when she handed the Lions their first lead, 26-25, in the closing play of the half. Saint Leo wouldn't let Shorter retake the lead for the remainder of the game.
- The Green & Gold caught fire in the third quarter, showcasing a 64.3 field goal percentage to run away from the Hawks. Saint Leo outscored Shorter 21-4 in the third stanza.
- Casey Wortley's Saint Leo debut featured 12 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
Beyond The Box Score
- Saint Leo picked up its' first season opening victory since 2014 when the Lions defeated Armstrong State 68-62.
- Saint Leo returns to the hardwood on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. to close out the GSC/SSC Challenge against Lee University. Lee enters the game after a 70-64 loss to Florida Southern College on Friday.
