ST. PETERSBURG – Goals from Jasmine Gallo and Freija Aflenzer lifted the Eckerd women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Saint Leo in the opening round of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament on Monday night at Johnson Field.

The Tritons controlled the opening half, out-shooting the Lions 9-0 while putting six shots on target.

Eckerd applied pressure early, forcing three saves in a two-minute span beginning in the 10th minute. Amy Woodhead, Ashley Nelson, and Gallo each registered shots on goal before Gallo broke through in the 21st minute to give the Tritons a 1-0 advantage. 

Eckerd nearly doubled its lead in the 33rd minute when Ava Costa struck the left post. Gaby Ruz and Lisa Fureh added shots on target before halftime, but the Tritons carried a one-goal advantage into the break.

The Tritons extended their lead in the 56th minute as Aflenzer found the back of the net off an assist from Helen Scheer, giving Eckerd a 2-0 cushion.

Eckerd continued to generate opportunities in the second half, with Jillian Doerger and Woodhead each placing shots on frame. Saint Leo broke through with 35 seconds remaining to cut the deficit in half, but the Tritons held on to secure the 2-1 victory and advance in the conference tournament.

Eckerd outshot Saint Leo 13-2, including a 9-2 advantage in shots on goal. Madi Winn made one save as the Tritons extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games.

The Tritons will host No. 4 seeded Tampa on Thursday in the SSC semifinals.