Tampa, Fla. (November 2, 2007) - Saint Leo forward Hannah Beard scored two goals, including the game-winner in the 90th minute as the second-seeded Saint Leo Lions (15-3) defeated the third-seeded Nova Southeastern Sharks (11-3-2) by a score of 2-1 on Friday night in Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinal action at the University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium.

The two teams were at a deadlock until the 17th minute when Kelly Diershow (So., Schaumburg, Ill.) chest trapped a Saint Leo clearance and found the back of the net past Lions' goalkeeper Lauren Hudson for a 1-0 lead.

The lead would hold until the 62nd minute when Beard took a loose ball at the top of the 18 and picked the top right corner to equalize at 1-1.

Beard would strike again with 30 seconds remaining in regulation time as she raced down the left side line, dribbled to the left side of the 18, and lofted a shot over NSU goalkeeper Sarah Glass, putting the game on ice.

For the game, SLU outshot NSU 12-10 while fouls were nearly even at 14-12, Nova Southeastern.

Glass and Hudson made five saves apiece while Saint Leo held a 9-3 corner kick advantage.

NSU will now await word on a second consecutive NCAA bid, with the announcement coming on Monday, November 5.