SAINT LEO, Fla. - #10 Saint Leo University women's lacrosse opened the 2026 season in a top-15 matchup on Saturday evening, falling 18-11 to No. 12 Flagler at University Turf Stadium. The season opener featured multiple milestone moments for the Lions. Senior attacker Jana Nuss scored the 100th goal of her collegiate career, while senior goalkeeper Jessica Harclerode reached and surpassed the 500-save mark, finishing the night with 13 saves to bring her career total to 501.

Saint Leo was paced offensively by Sophia Wood and Holly Hill, who each netted three goals. Hill added two assists for a team-high five points, while Briana Bellando and Grace DeWitt chipped in two goals apiece. DeWitt also recorded an assist in the contest.

In goal, Harclerode's 13-save performance moved her within four saves of the SSC career record. She is currently chasing Florida Tech's Stephanie Stuart, who recorded 504 career saves in 71 games. With just four more saves, Harclerode would break the record in only 56 career games, underscoring the pace of her historic run.

#12 Flagler 18, #10 Saint Leo 11

Flagler opened the scoring with three early goals before Saint Leo got on the board midway through the quarter, as Sophia Wood scored while playing man-down to make it 3-1. The Saints added another late goal, taking a 4-1 lead after one.

Saint Leo responded with its strongest stretch of the game in the second quarter, scoring six goals. Briana Bellando struck twice on man-up opportunities, while Grace DeWitt added two goals of her own. A pair of late tallies from Holly Hill pulled the Lions within three, but Flagler carried a 10-7 advantage into halftime.

Flagler regained momentum coming out of the break, scoring five unanswered goals to extend the lead. Sophia Wood halted the run with her second goal of the afternoon late in the quarter, but the Saints led 15-8 heading into the final 15 minutes.

The Lions continued to compete in the fourth, with Wood opening the quarter and Jana Nuss finding the back of the net off an assist from DeWitt to reach the 100-goal milestone. Flagler answered with timely goals down the stretch, and a late tally from Hill closed the scoring in the 18-11 final.

Inside the Numbers

• 100 Jana Nuss scored the 100th goal of her Saint Leo career
• 501 Career saves for Jessica Harclerode after a 13-save performance
• 4 Saves needed by Harclerode to set the SSC career record
• 3 Goals scored by both Sophia Wood and Holly Hill
• 5 Points by Holly Hill with three goals and two assists
• 6 Goals scored by Saint Leo in the second quarter
• 10-for-13 Saint Leo clears on the night

UP NEXT
Saint Leo is back at University Turf Stadium twice next week taking on Colorado Mesa on February 10 and Saint Michael's on Feburary 12. Both games are set for a 7 p.m. opening draw.