CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The Saint Leo women's basketball made a statement in the Lions' season opener Friday night on day one of the 2021-22 Gulf South Conference and Sunshine State Conference South Region Crossover hosted by Lee University. The Green and Gold took care of the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers, who are ranked eighth in the south region, 76-67.
 
All-Sunshine State Conference junior guard, Amanda Ulrich, paced the Lions' offense with 18 points and added six assists, seven rebounds, a pair of steals, and three blocks. Meanwhile, 2020-21 SSC Newcomer of the Year, graduate student, Tori Lesko, tallied her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds as the team's leader off the glass.
 
Joining Ulrich and Lesko in scoring double-figures was teammates Kiki McIntyre and Alex Button, who are also decorated All-SSC student-athletes.
 
Sixth-year head coach Anthony Crocitto expressed, "Kiki McIntyre picked up right where she left off while Amanda Ulrich dominated some categories on the offense and even had three blocks."
 
In addition to Crocitto's returning all-conference members, his bench contributed 17 points. Alayna Harris and Ayanna Trigg each recorded eight points in the regional win.
 
Crocitto continued, "This was just an outstanding effort for my bench as they accumulated several big baskets and great defense throughout the game. Alayna Harris had a massive three. And speaking of Alayna, our post players combined for more than 26 points in addition to more solid statistical categories."
 
"I love our balance scoring but love our energy even more. We must continue to tighten up their defense and work on getting to the foul line even more."
 
After the sweet victory, Crocitto looked ahead to day two of the regional crossover, "We look forward to a big battle with the top regional team tomorrow in Lee University."
 
The Lions will take on the Flames of Lee University, currently ranked sixth in the region, on Saturday, Nov. 13. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.
 
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