SAINT LEO, Fla. – After a six-goal run in the second half to reclaim the lead, the Saint Leo women's lacrosse team defeated 22nd-ranked Seton Hill, 18-16, at home on Monday night in a non-conference bout.

The Lions found themselves down by a 15-11 margin with 4:34 remaining in the third quarter. Freshman Briana Bellando kickstarted a six-goal run for the Green and Gold at the 3:40-mark of the third quarter as she found the back of the off a dish from sophomore Jana Nuss. Less than two minutes later, Nuss scored in a player-up situation as the Lions trimmed their deficit to 15-13. Bellando once again registered a score, this time unassisted, followed by Nuss launching a goal before the end of the third frame as the game was tied 15-15 headed into the final quarter.

Junior Emma Hayhurst began the scoring for the Green and Gold in the fourth as she gave the Lions a 16-15 edge off a pass from senior Cassidy Passaro. Senior Fiona McLaughlin added to Saint Leo's advantage as scored in a player-up situation, however, the Griffins were able to score as they drew within one, 17-16. At the 5:53-mark of the fourth, Nuss posted another score and the Lions held Seton Hill at bay for the remainder of the game to secure the victory.

Junior Ava Valenti and McLaughlin put the Lions on the board first as they each tallied a score, giving the Lions an early 2-0 lead. Saint Leo jumped out to a 5-1 advantage, however, the Griffins scored eight of the next 10 goals of the first half to take a 9-7 edge to halftime.

Nuss tied a career-best five goals while Bellando tied a season-high five goals. Nuss finished the game with six total points as she tallied an assist with her five scores. McLaughlin recorded a hat-trick in addition to an assist while Passaro posted a pair of goals and a trio of assists. Junior Ava Valenti notched one goal and one assist while Hayhurst and junior Delaney Gilchrist each tallied a goal.

Defensively, Hayhurst and junior Maria Palomba caused two turnovers as Palomba finished the game with three ground balls. McLaughlin recorded four ground balls while Nuss collected three and caused a turnover. Sophomore Marina Dean led the Lions with four draw controls.

In the net, sophomore Jesica Harclerode registered 11 saves in the complete-game effort to earn the win as she improves to 2-2.

Saint Leo returns to action on Wednesday, March 6 as it hosts Assumption at 7 p.m. in non-conference action.