TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 24 Saint Leo women's lacrosse historic season came to an end at the 2022 Sunshine State Conference Tournament Semifinals. The Lions jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first quarter but couldn't manage to complete the upset against the No. 12 Tampa Spartans in a 19-6 final. The postseason run was the first SSC Tournament appearance since 2015, the first under fifth-year head coach Caitlin Hansen. Hansen spearheaded the successful season through a series of season-ending injuries. In the midst of the adversity, the Green and Gold pieced together a 7-11 overall record, finishing fourth in the conference.
 
The Lions held a first-quarter 3-1 lead but saw Tampa go on an uninterrupted 14-goal run to advance to the conference championship.
 
Reagan Buhrman won four draw controls for the Green and Gold. ­­­Fiona McLaughlin paced the Lions' offensive efforts with three points; tallying two goals and an assist.
 
Rachel Smythe earned the start after helping the Lions punch their ticket to the postseason. Smythe earned seven saves in 41 minutes of work. Makayla Goetz finished up the goaltending responsibilities.
 
Saint Leo saw multiple records reset this season propelled by career-high performances. Maria Palomba set the program draw control record, a couple of times, besting herself. The record now stands at 17 draw controls after the freshman's big day at the circle at No. 9 Florida Southern on April 13. In the season record book, Meghan Bomleny notched the most program's most assists with a final tally of 27.
 
Hansen saw three SSC Weekly nods awarded to the Lions and a national weekly award. Palomba was named the IWLCA Offensive Player of the Week (2/15), SSC Defensive Player of the Week (3/29) Fiona McLaughlin was named the SSC Offensive Player of the Week (3/29), and Rachel Smythe was awarded the title of SSC Defensive Player of the Week follow a career-high 15 save day against the No. 12 Embry-Riddle Eagles (4/25).
 
Hansen wrapped up her fifth season at the helm of the Green and Gold. She now has a 40-29 (.579) record at Saint Leo and a 90-52 (.633) coaching record after nine years after directing two programs.
 
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