SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's lacrosse team pulled in national attention to start the 2020 season. Under the direction of third-year head coach, Caitlin Hansen, the Lions were polled 17^th in the US Lacrosse Magazine's Nike/US Division II Women's Preseason Poll. The honor marks the program's first-ever appearance in the preseason poll top-20.
 
The 2019 Saint Leo Lions captured a 13-4 mark, going 2-4 in the Sunshine State Conference. The Green and Gold showcased a historic 13-0 run, setting the team's best season start. The record book was completely renovated with career, season, and single-game performances by Leslie Ferguson, Kaylah Walstad, Delaney Chrisco, and Ashley Salvett. Ferguson and Salvett became the program's first-ever All-SSC First Team selections. Salvett went on to be honored as an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Second Team member.
 
Hansen returns seniors Janee DeLuca at attack, Salvett at defense, Chrisco at midfield, and starting goalkeeper Erin Davis among 17 returners, 11 true freshmen, and four transfers.

The Lions were one of four Sunshine State Conference teams to be ranked in the preseason poll, falling in behind Tampa (no. 6), Rollins (no. 8), and Florida Southern (no. 9). 
 
No. 17 Saint Leo is set to open the 2020 season against no. 8 Rollins on Saturday, Feb, 8 at 1 p.m. at University Turf Stadium.
 
For more information on the Saint Leo women's lacrosse program, 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.