DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – The ninth-ranked Saint Leo University women's lacrosse team closed out its trip to the Empire State on Thursday evening. Despite a five-goal performance from Marina Dean and nearly double digit saves by Jessica Harclerode, the Lions saw their eight-game win streak come to an end with a 17-16 loss at #25 Mercy University. Saint Leo falls to 8-2 on the season while Mercy improves to 7-1 in 2026.  
 
Marina Dean powered the Lions as she scored a career high five goals, scoring Saint Leo's first three of the afternoon and finishing 5-for-5 on shots on goal. Natalie Jones added three goals, while Sophia Santella recorded five points on two goals and three assists and Jana Nuss added a team-high four assists to go with a goal. Holly Hill and Sophia Wood each scored twice, and Briana Bellando also found the net as Saint Leo placed 23 shots on goal and finished a perfect 15-for-15 on clears. Jessica Harclerode made nine saves in goal, while the Lions also held a 19-16 edge in draw controls.

#25 Mercy 17, #9 Saint Leo 16
Mercy struck first, but Marina Dean took over early for Saint Leo. The sophomore scored the Lions' first three goals—on a woman-up, a man-down, and an even-strength opportunity—to keep Saint Leo within striking distance. Mercy answered with a 3-0 run late in the quarter to take a 5-3 lead after one.

Saint Leo battled back-and-forth in the second. Natalie Jones scored twice off assists from Jana Nuss, while Sophia Santella and Dean each added goals to keep the Lions close. A late woman-up goal from Sophia Wood cut the deficit to 9-8 heading into halftime.

The Lions surged in the third period. Dean completed her five-goal performance with a woman-up tally early to tie the game, and goals from Holly Hill, Jana Nuss, Wood, Santella, and Hill again helped Saint Leo reclaim momentum. A late goal from Hill gave the Lions a 14-13 advantage heading into the fourth.

Saint Leo extended its lead early in the fourth with goals from Jones and Briana Bellando to go up 16-13. However, Mercy responded with a decisive 4-0 run over the final eight minutes, including the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining, to complete the comeback and hand Saint Leo a 17-16 loss, its first loss since the February 7 season opener against Flagler.

Inside the Numbers

• 5 goals from Marina Dean, including Saint Leo's first three goals
• 4 assists from Jana Nuss to lead all players
• 5 points (2G, 3A) from Sophia Santella
• 3 goals from Natalie Jones
• 4 woman-up goals for Saint Leo
• 19-16 edge in draw controls for the Lions
• 15-for-15 on clears for Saint Leo
• 31 total shots, with 23 on goal
• 9 saves by Jessica Harclerode
   

UP NEXT
Saint Leo returns to the Sunshine State to begin SSC play heading to Florida Southern (March 25) and Rollins (March 28).