Colleges: Depleted Lions blow out Sailfish

Hannah Beard scored twice, while Sara Macko had a goal and three assists as Saint Leo’s women overcame a short bench to sweep past Palm Beach Atlantic on Tuesday night 7-2 in West Palm Beach.

Beard gave the Lions the lead in the 10th minute, but the Sailfish answered less than a minute later on a goal by Gabby Lopez. From there, though, the half was dominated by Saint Leo (4-2-1), who took only 15 players with them on the trip, allowing for only three outfield substitutes. Goals by Macko, Pia Soesemann, Kelli Jones and Aija Bent-Trinder all scored before halftime to give the Lions a 5-1 lead.

Angie Kuhn pulled a goal back for the Sailfish (4-4-0) just before the hour mark, but Andrea Lott scored her first goal of the season, and Beard added her ninth late to close out the game.

The Lions now return home to face Lynn on Friday night as they look to return to .500 in Sunshine State Conference play.

Colleges: Lions put 13 past Lady Cougars

Saint Leo scored 18 seconds into the contest, while Hannah Beard recorded her first hat trick of the season and the Lions romped to a 13-0 victory against an overmatched Clearwater Christian side on Friday night at University Field.

Sara Macko scored on the Lions first attack of the game, and the lead was already 4-0 by the 21st minute, Beard finding the net twice before Pia Soesemann scored her third goal of the season.

Clearwater Christian was unable to muster a shot on goal, and saw goalkeeper Megan Dixon’s goal peppered with shots all night as the Lions finished with 50 shots. Dixon finished with 17 saves.

Beard completed her hat trick in the 72nd minute, while Aija Bent-Trinder scored twice for the Lions.

The Lions take a week off before they return to Sunshine State Conference action against Florida Tech on October 3.