TAMPA, Fla. – A strong second-half push by No. 20 Saint Leo women's lacrosse fell short, 10-9, in a thrilling season opener at No. 9 Tampa at Niamoli Field. The Lions overcame a four-goal halftime deficit to tie it up with 4:34 remaining in the game, but couldn't get the equalizer before the final horn. Though Sunshine State Conference foes, the game was a non-conference tilt to open the season. 
 
Delaney Chrisco recorded a career-high five goals to spearhead the offensive efforts. The graduate student also earned a game-high four ground balls. Meanwhile, Fiona McLaughlin opened her collegiate career scoring a pair of goals. Lia Lamendola also tallied two points with a goal and an assist.
 
Off the draw, Ashley Salvett led the Lions with three helped by three other teammates each with one.
 
Defensively, Marisa Souchak picked up three ground balls and caused a turnover. Saint Leo earned 10 turnovers each coming from a different player.
 
In between the pipes, Emma Crafton got the nod for the start and earned eight saves on the night.
 
Records
#9 Tampa Spartans 1-0
#20 Saint Leo 0-1
 
How It Happened
Tampa jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. Lamendola found McLaughlin who placed it in the back of the net for her first collegiate goal and would get the Lions on the board. Chrisco scored her first goal of the night in the 10^th minute. Saint Leo entered halftime down by four, 6-2.
 
After Lamendola opened the second half scoring, 6-3 at the 29:32 mark, back-to-back Chrisco goals saw just a one-goal game, 6-5. The Spartans would poke their first of the second half in for a 7-5 lead where the game would stand for five minutes. Chrisco ended the quick scoring drought and cut the game back to one, 7-6, and McLaughlin's equalizer with 11:54 to go caused for a tight finish in the season opener. The two teams exchanged a pair of goals for a 9-9 game with under two minutes to go in regulation. The Spartans found the back with 1:16 to go, where the Lions had an opportunity go wide with 14-ticks to go, leaving the game at its final, 10-9 when the final horn sounded. 
 
Up Next
Saint Leo will open its' home series on Wednesday, March 24 hosting No. 8 Florida Southern at University Turf Stadium. The first draw is set for 7 p.m.
 
 
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.
 
Keeping Our Lions Healthy & Safe
Saint Leo University Athletics is keeping our student-athletes healthy and safe by following a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes having student-athletes tested or screened on a regular basis, traveling in smaller groups, holding competitions without fans in attendance, avoiding overnight trips, and wearing masks when not competing. These safety standards meet those set by the NCAA Division II and the Sunshine State Conference President's Council. At Saint Leo University, the COVID-19 Incident Command Team also reviews the teams' safety protocol and monitors adherence on a regular basis.