Coming off its first winning season, the Saint Leo women's soccer team relied on an explosive offense and revamped defense Monday in its opener, a 6-0 win over Warner Southern.
In her first year as a starter, goalkeeper Katie Stephenson did not face a shot in the game at Lake Wales. Not only did the defense shut down the Royals, but defenders Sarah Wright and Kristin Stephens combined for a goal and two assists.
"They're going to be spending as much time in the opponent's half as they did last year," Saint Leo coach Tony Paris said of the former midfielders, who joined the attack on several rushes upfield.
Wright, second in team scoring last season with 18 points, scored once Monday and Stephens (third with 17 points last year) had two assists.
Casie Poyssick, the Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year in 2003 when she set school records for goals (26) and points (59), had one goal.
Jennifer O'Connor scored twice as Saint Leo got goals from five players in a balanced attack. Ashley Murry and Jane Seedhouse also scored.
"(O'Connor) played a central role and she did well," Paris said. "I like to see the scoring spread out."
