SAINT LEO, Fla. – Despite three players scoring in double digits, the Saint Leo women's basketball team lost 77-68 at home versus Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday afternoon in a Sunshine State Conference (SSC).

"We had times to stretch the lead to 10-15, but we never made the second run", said head coach Anthony Crocitto. "I felt like we never got comfortable today and that's a shame because I feel like we gave one away. We got to get 50/50 balls, get loose balls, chase balls. We get defensive stops and they get two shots at a basket. Our guards need to rebound, we have to play with more passion and more fight. Today, PBA wanted it more than us and hats off to them, they deserve the W. We let one get away from us and that's not good for us, now we need to get one back."

The Lions outscored or scored the same number of points against the Sailfish in each quarter except for the fourth frame when Palm Beach Atlantic outscored Saint Leo 24-9.

Freshman Vanessa McManus tallied 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field in addition to three assists, one block, and one steal. Junior Alanis Diaz laced 18 points while grabbing six boards with two assists and two steals. Redshirt junior Chynna Mattair recorded 13 points, three rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Sophomore Olivia Agunzo notched nine points, two assists, and one steal.

The Green and Gold recorded a 45.1 shooting percentage and went 6-for-16 (37.5%) from beyond the arc while converting 16 of their 20 free throw attempts.

The Lions return to action on Wednesday, January 8 as they travel to face Rollins in an SSC bout, starting at 5:30 p.m.