SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo women's lacrosse team overwhelmed the visiting Lynn Fighting Knights in the second half Saturday afternoon at University Turf Stadium. The Lions' offensive surge secured an 18-9 victory in the Sunshine State Conference season opener, which raised the program's record to 3-7 overall, 1-0 in the league. The decision snapped Lynn's six-game win streak, moving the Fighting Knights' record to 9-2, 0-1 in the SSC.
 
Down by one with a score of 7-6 at the half, Saint Leo silenced any doubts, outscoring Lynn 6-1 in the remaining two quarters.
 
Lia Lamendola led the Lions' attack with a career-high eight points. The junior attacker from North Kingstown, R.I. netted five goals off seven shots and added three assists. She was followed by teammate Fiona McLaughlin with a six-goal game off six shots.
 
Off the draw, freshman Maria Palomba has already recorded the program's game-high and is already the season draw control leader in the team's history. She added 10 draw controls against Lynn to bring her current record-setting career tally to triple digits; 107.
 
In goal, freshman Makayla Goetz earned nine saves in 60 minutes of work to improve her record to 3-2.
 
Up next, the Lions will be tested on the road after 10-games at home. Saint Leo will travel down the highway to Tampa on Saturday, April 2 to face the Spartans at noon.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's lacrosse, 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.