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Teams Are Off To Perfect Starts

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By BART O'CONNELL

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 6, 2008

ST. LEO - The volleyball team and the men's and women's soccer teams at Saint Leo could not have asked for a better start to their seasons - all three are undefeated entering the weekend.

The men's soccer team (2-0), ranked No. 25 in the latest NSCAA Division II poll, had a game Friday night at West Florida and is scheduled to play Sunday at Thomas University (Ga.).

The team began the season with a 3-2 victory at Montreat College last Thursday, following that with a 1-0 double-overtime win against Indianapolis.

Senior F Eusebio Montoya had two goals in the Montreat victory, while fellow senior F Brandon Whitsett has a goal and an assist. Freshman Joe Montelongo, the two-time Tribune Pasco County Boys Player of the Year at Pasco High, has appeared in one game but has not taken a shot.

WOMEN ROLL IN OPENER: The women's soccer team (1-0) has moved up to No. 15 in the NSCAA poll following a 12-0 victory against Clearwater Christian College.

Junior F Hannah Beard had four goals in the victory. Stacey Rodwell had three assists, and nine other players had a goal or an assist. Goalkeeper Lauren Hudson picked up the shutout, though she only faced one shot on goal.

The Lions women will join the men on the road trip to West Florida and Thomas.

VOLLEYBALL IMPRESSING: The volleyball team (5-0) is off to perhaps the best start of the Saint Leo fall sports teams, with an upset of No. 21 Ashland during its first weekend of play. It also has posted wins against Central Oklahoma (3-0), St. Thomas (3-1), Northwood (3-1) and Converse (3-0).

Through four matches, Sophomore Kaitlin McKenna has picked up where she left off during a stellar freshman campaign, leading the Lions with 49 kills and a .532 hitting percentage. She earned Sunshine State Conference Player of the Week honors for her efforts.

Senior Emily Frey has a team-high 22 blocks, with McKenna close behind at 17.

The Lions are competing in the Florida Tech Tournament in Melbourne this weekend, opening with the win against Converse. They had a match scheduled with Northwood late Friday and are scheduled to play Valdosta State today at 11 a.m. and St. Thomas at 4 p.m. Their next home match is Sept. 19 against nationally ranked Tampa in a Sunshine State Conference showdown.

OPEN TRYOUTS: The softball team has open tryouts Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. All interested players must provide a physical to assistant coach Jana Fields one day before the tryout, which will be held at the University Softball Field.

Correspondent Bart O'Connell can be reached at tampasport@gmail.com.

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