ROME, Ga. – After 11 different Lions were able to find the back of the net, the No. 24 Saint Leo women's lacrosse team coasted to a 19-7 victory at Shorter in a non-conference matchup on Saturday morning.

The Lions exploded out of the gate as they tallied eight unanswered goals to open the contest as four scores came from Nuss. Additionally, four other members of the Green and Gold found the back of the net as senior Fiona McLaughlin, junior Maria Palomba, freshman Briana Bellando, and sophomore Marina Dean added their name to the scoring ledger. The Hawks were able to score on a man-up opportunity at the 4:52-mark of the initial quarter to cut their deficit to 8-1. Saint Leo concluded the first quarter with a trio of goal scorers such as sophomore Sophia Wood, senior Cassidy Passaro, and junior Abby Fortuna as the Lions led by a 11-1 margin heading into the second.

Sandwiched in between two pairs of goals from Saint Leo was Shorter's lone score of the second frame. McLaughlin continued the offensive charge for the Green and Gold as she tallied three of the Lions' four goals in the second. At intermission, Saint Leo held a commanding 15-2 advantage.

The Hawks trimmed their deficit as they posted a pair of goals starting the third frame until the Lions countered by lacing three goals which included the first career goal from freshman Zoey Lind, 18-4. Shorter scored their fifth goal with 6:32 remaining in the third period that was quickly answered by sophomore Sydney Brown's goal as Saint Leo led by a 19-5 entering the final quarter.
The Hawks recorded two goals on in the fourth and were held at bay for the rest of the game as the Green and Gold secured the victory.

Nuss finished the game with six total points as she registered a career-best five goals with an assist followed by McLaughlin, who tallied four goals on six shot attempts while Dean scored two goals. Palomba recorded a goal with an assist in addition to four draw controls. Sophomore Meredith Eitel made her presence felt on defense by causing two turnovers.

In the net, sophomore Jessica Harclerode earned the victory as she posted three saves in 30 minutes. Additionally, Makayla Goetz registered a save in 30 minutes in the goal.

Saint Leo held a 17-11 edge on draw controls while Shorter had 21 turnovers.

The Lions return to the field on Saturday, February, 24 as they host  non-conference foe, Flagler, in their home-opener at 1 p.m.