SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's basketball team defeated the visiting Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) Sailfish, 81-57, on Saturday in the Lions' season opener inside the Marion Bowman Activities Center. An offensive explosion in the third quarter propelled the Lions past the Sailfish to capture win to open the season. Saint Leo (1-0) knocked off the Sailfish (0-3) for the seventh straight meeting under the direction of fifth-year head coach Anthony Crocitto. 
 
Kiki McIntyre paced the Lions with a game-high 14 points and team-high eight rebounds. The rookie point guard was supported by three other Lions scoring in double-digits, Tori Lesko (12 points), Casey O'Shaughnessy (11 pts.), and Alani Gallagher (10 pts.). Off the glass, Lesko and Alasia Spivey each earned six rebounds apiece.
 
Although Saint Leo held a six-point lead, 21-15, over PBA after the first quarter, the Sailfish fought back for the halftime advantage, 34-33.  
 
"It was a tough first half," explained Crocitto. "We had to overcome foul trouble and turnovers. We persevered by people who might not stand out on the box score. Kennedy Litvinoff had a big bucket and Lenise Santiago hit a three, which kept the game close while the starters were in foul trouble.
 
Saint Leo shut down all doubts in the third quarter, keeping PBA to a mere nine points while the Green and Gold racked up 25. The Lions recorded the game's best scoring run of 14 points at 5:43 in the third, 47-34.
 
The Lions did not let up in the final quarter. Instead, they warmed up even more, shooting 47.1-percent from the field. An eight-point run at 6:13 increased the Lions' lead into a 20-point gap. The insurance came from the hands of Casey O'Shaughnessy, two good shots from McIntyre, and Day Jackson.


"We played all 15 people," exclaimed Crocitto. "I was excited that so many people contributed. For Kiki to come out and explode on the scene like that was massive. And seeing Tori Lesko play a variety of positions was fun."
 
Crocitto and the Lions had never played in an empty gym before, but they were ready. "I've got the two best coaches working with me in the country and I've got three phenomenal managers. Their energy and the bench's energy was off the charts. It felt like the gym was crowded. Our bench even renamed themselves to 'the hype chairs." Crocitto said after the game the Marion Bowman Center did not feel empty either. "I just got 72 text messages from fans, trustees, and professors. You all are awesome, thank you."
 
Up Next
Saint Leo will travel to Miami Shores on Wednesday, March 3 for a 5 p.m. matchup with the Barry Buccaneers.
 
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.