SAINT LEO, Fla. - No. 17 Saint Leo women's golf closed the gap and climbed three spots over the second 18-holes Monday at the Saint Leo Invitational where the Green and Gold finished day one in second place at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club. 

The Lions shot a 312 (+24) and was sitting in fifth place after the first 18-holes Monday morning on the par-72 6,062-yard South Course at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club. Saint Leo shaved 18-strokes over the next 18 holes to shoot the lowest round of the day of 294 in round two for a total of 606 (+30) heading into Tuesday's final round. The Green and Gold are sitting eight strokes behind playing partner and clubhouse leader, no. 14 Tampa. The Spartans are sitting at 598 (+22) and ahead of the pack with the Lions trailing in second, Flagler in third at 607 (+31) and no. 19 Florida Southern in fourth, 609 (+33). 

Four of the seven players for the Green and Gold are inside the top-15 of the field led by Francesca Santoni in seventh place. On her heels, Laurence Lamer and Cajsa Strandberg are tied for eighth while Synne Lauritzen is tied for 14th place heading into Tuesday's final round. Santoni opened play with a 74 (+2) before a second round 76 (+4) for a two-round total of 150 (+6). Lamer cut the most strokes off her game shooting an 80 (+8) to start with the lone under-par round of the afternoon for the Lions with a 71 (-1) in round two for a 151 (+7) total. 

Flagler's Sophie Wheeler is leading the way with a 140 (-4) following a 67 (-5) to start the day with a 73 (+1) that followed. 

2nd - Saint Leo - 312-294 - 606 (+30)
7 - Francesca Santoni - 74-76 - 150 (+6)
T8 - Laurence Lamer - 80-71 - 151 (+7)
T8 - Cajsa Strandberg - 79-72 - 151 (+7)
T14 - Synne Lauritzen - 79-75 - 154 (+10)
T31 - Pia Perthen - 82-77 - 159 (+15)
T31 - Louise Henningsson - 81-78 - 159 (+15)
T47 - Rose Morissette - 79-85 - 164 (+20)

Up Next
Saint Leo will return to action Tuesday for the third and final round of the Saint Leo Invitational with tee times starting at 8:30 a.m. with the Lions slated tee time of 9:02 a.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's golf program, 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.