SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball team fell 69-63 in a tight non-conference tilt against the St. Edward's University Hilltoppers Saturday in the Marion Bowman Activities Center.
 
Amanda Ulrich had another stellar day on the hardwood, pacing the Green and Gold's offense with 22 points. The junior point guard went 7-for-14 from the floor, 3-for-7 beyond the circle, and 5-for-6 at the charity stripe. She was joined in scoring double digits by Tori Lesko with 18 and Ayanna Trigg with 10. Trigg recorded her third double-double of the season leading the Lions off the boards with 10 rebounds. Lesko took on the play-making role with a team-high five assists.
 
Saint Leo (3-3) and St. Edward's (3-2) both came ready to play. The teams each put up an impressive 60-percent field goal percentage in the first 10 minutes for a 23-22 score in the Lions' favor. Saint Leo added two more to its lead in the second to be up 33-30 at the half. The barnburner continued into the third as the Hilltoppers edged the Lions 15-14 to bring the game within two, 47-45.
 
St. Edward's capitalized on free throws while the Lions were unable to convert scoring opportunities in the paint.
 
"You play the way you practice, and the past two days just weren't good enough. We need to continue to build, mature, and grow as a team," said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "I'm confident in this group but they have to believe."
 
"Our defense just has to be better. We don't always execute the scout that we talk about in all our preparations. I know this group will be ready and understand the process but tonight we didn't have to learn a lesson. It's simple. Better execution, more free throws made, and a total buy-in defensively."
 
"I do love this group and know we will rebound in practice," concluded Crocitto.

The Lions continue action on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at Eckerd. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in St. Petersburg, Fla.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's basketball 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.