SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's lacrosse team showcased a nine-point run in the second half to lift the Lions 18-10 over Molloy on Sunday.

"This was a great team win for us," said head coach Caitlin Hansen. "It took us a while to settle in, but once we finally did you could really see our players start to believe and play with confidence and passion. We wanted to get that win and I am so happy and proud that we did!"

The home opener victory was led by freshman Sarah Pierson with seven draw controls, four groundballs, a caused turnover and three goals while committing no turnovers.

"Pierson's seven draw controls were huge for us," continued Hansen. "Add her four groundballs and that's 11 possessions that she earned for us."

Junior Leslie Ferguson led the Lions' scoring with four goals, going 4-of-5 in free position shots, adding three assists and five groundballs to her day.

Sophomore goalkeeper Erin Davis defended the net with six saves.
 
The Basics
Final Score: Saint Leo Lions 18, Molloy College Lions 10
Location: Saint Leo, Fla. | University Turf Stadium  
Records: SLU (1-0) | MC (0-2)
 
How It Happened...
1H |  Saint Leo's early 1-0 start didn't last. Molloy gained momentum, tallying three straight goals, 3-1 at 16:30. Down by two goals, 5-3 at 8:10, Saint Leo's Abbie Ross' free position shot cut the visitors led to one. Sarah Pierson's goal assisted by Leslie Ferguson leveled the scoreboard, 5-5. Ferguson forced the second lead change of the game, converting a free position shot, 6-5. Three minutes later, Molloy netted two goals to retake the lead. Pierson struck again with 12 seconds remaining in the half. | Tied 7-7 |
2H | Molloy tipped the score in its favor one last time to start the second half. Saint Leo ended the fight for the lead showcasing nine-straight goals between 23:41 – 6:29. Junior attacker, Kaylah Walstad featured three goals and an assist in the run. | Saint Leo 18-10 |
 
Points to Note

• Sarah Pierson debuted her collegiate career with seven draw controls, four groundballs, one caused turnover, three goals off six shots.
• Leslie Ferguson led Lions' scoring with four goals going 4-of-5 on free position shots and earned five groundballs.
• Kaylah Walstad scored three goals, two assists and picked up two groundballs.
• Erin Davis protected the net with six saves.

For Molloy

• Kelsey Hammel and Ali Pfeifer each earned four points. Hammel scored two goals, assisting in two while Pfeifer score one, assisting in three.
• Kaitlyn Meyer caused four turnovers while picking up two groundballs.
• In net, Jessica Carere earned eight saves.

 
Up Next
The Lions return to action on Sunday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. to host the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Live stats will be available at http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statbroadcast.php?t=1&gid=stle.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's basketball, be sure to 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.