SAINT LEO, Fla. – On a memorable night for the Saint Leo University Women's soccer team that included recognizing the seniors and the University's Homecoming King and Queen, it was only fitting that it would be Senior Nina Mueller that delivered the game-winning goal that lifted the Lions to a 2-1 victory at Saint Leo University Soccer Field.
 
With the win, Saint Leo (7-5-2, 3-5-1 SSC) snaps a five-game winless streak and remains in contention for a bid to the Sunshine State Conference tournament.
 
The senior-laiden defense that included Raylyn Straubmuller, Taylor Smith, Jill Sutherland, and Goalkeeper Mai Bravo allowed one score to a Florida Tech team (7-4-1, 5-3 SSC) that fired 17 shots on the night.  Bravo made eight saves in the contest.
 
The attack was limited on chances with six shots, which was all the Green & Gold needed as five landed on goal with two equaling scores.
 
It only took 51 seconds for the Lions to pounce on the contest's first score, as Senior Alex Collighan delivered a ground strike past the outstretched arms of Florida Tech Goalkeeper Maria Sanchez Recuero into the left corner of the net for a 1-0 Saint Leo lead.
 
The Green & Gold would hold its lead into the second half before the Panthers responded in the 52nd minute, as a throw-in allowed Jessica Cravero to connect with Mayara Queiroz, who delivered the equalizing score in header fashion to knot up the score 1-1.
 
In the 66th minute, it would be Mueller who capitalized off a free kick that squeezed past Sanchez Recuero and give the Lions the go-ahead score at 2-1 and the midfielder her 10th, career goal.
 
Florida Tech would attempt to tie the contest, but the defense solidified its 2-1 victory.
 
"A great team performance tonight against a very good FIT team" said Head Coach Ged O'Connor.  "The evening was made even more special with it being Senior Night where we got to honor our Seniors who have represented Saint Leo in such a fantastic way over the past few years.  With it being homecoming and a great crowd on hand, in addition to so many alums that returned to the campus, it was a great evening to be a Lion.  Now onto the biggest game of the season Tuesday."
 
Saint Leo will face Lynn University for Leukemia Awareness Night and its season finale, with a kickoff set for 7 p.m.  The contest will have the implications of a play-in game, as both teams hold 10 points in the conference standings and must win in order to continue remaining in contention.
 
Lions by the Numbers
1:        Goal allowed
2:        Goals scored
3:        Sunshine State Conference wins
4:        Career game-winning goals for Nina Mueller
5:        Shots on goal
6:        Years since the Lions last beat the Panthers
7:        Wins in 2022
9:        Overall wins over Florida Tech
22:      Season goals
180:   Career wins for Ged O'Connor
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Women's Soccer, 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.