Saint Leo University Athletics recently issued the following announcement.
The Saint Leo women's basketball team dominated the Flagler Saints, 76-54, in the program's second meeting of the non-conference season. The Lions made a statement quickly inside the Flagler Gymnasium as Amanda Ulrich, Ayanna Trigg, and Tori Lesko each tallied double-digit points in the first half alone. The offensive onslaught allowed the Green and Gold to lead the entire game. The road victory raised the Lions' record to 3-2 and officially started a winning streak marking the program's second consecutive win of the young season.
"What a tremendous feeling to put the last game against Flagler behind us and have that loss make us stronger and bring us more together as a team," expressed head coach Anthony Crocitto. "I am proud of the individual stats and all the nice numbers, but today we were a team."
Ulrich recorded a season-high 23 points going 9-for-18 from the floor. The junior guard added three three-pointers and two points at the charity stripe. She was joined in scoring double digits by Lesko (15 pts.), A. Trigg (13 pts.), and Kiki McIntyre (12 pts.). The Lions' offense proved hard to stop as the team finished shooting 49.2-percent from the hardwood. When there was a rebound necessary, Lesko was there to take care of the basketball, earning a game-high 10 rebounds, her second double-double of the season.
"Our back court, and our overall combinations of guards have a chance to be very special. With consistent work we can achieve so much."
Saint Leo held a 19-point lead at halftime (51-32) with Ulrich, A. Trigg, and Lesko having no trouble finding the basket inside the paint. The bench added to the noise with 13 points. In addition, the Lions capitalized off Flagler's turnovers, scoring 32 off turnovers. McIntyre wrapped up the game with a game-high five steals, followed by Lesko with four, and A. Trigg with a trio.
"We had two really big three-pointers off the bench and we need every bit of our bench everyday to be strong across the board."
Flagler (4-3) was paced by Jaziana Mathis with 15 points followed by Tori Pearce and Sophie VanDyke with 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Saints cut their deficit to 11-points with the final layup of the third quarter bringing the game to 60-49. But Saint Leo shut down any thoughts of a comeback keeping the Peach Belt Conference hosts to a mere five points in the remaining quarter.
"I think our defense is really coming together, and with work, has a chance to be a pretty special part of our system."
The Lions will enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday and then quickly return to action in the Marion Bowman Activities Center. Saint Leo is set to host St. Edward's University on Saturday, Nov. 27 starting at 2:00 p.m.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Bowman as we face a tough St. Edwards team from Texas," conclude Crocitto.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's basketball program, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Original source can be found here.
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