Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2009)  Nova Southeastern University's women's soccer team dropped its home finale on Saturday 3-1 to Saint Leo on Senior Night at the NSU Soccer Complex. NSU falls to 6-6-1 overall and 3-4-1 in the Sunshine State Conference. Saint Leo improves to 6-5-1 on the season and 4-3-0 in the SSC.

In an extremely physical game, NSU had a young team out on the pitch for most of the game, including multiple times when there were at least seven freshmen on the field.

The teams remained scoreless for nearly two-thirds of the game. The first goal did not come until the 60th minute when Saint Leo's Sara Macko converted on a penalty kick.

The Lions pushed went up 2-0 in the 73rd minute as Hannah Beard scored off a Pia Soesemann feed.

NSU responded in the 79th minute to make it a 2-1 game. Elizabeth Brauher (Sr., Hilo, Hawaii) lofted the ball down field past the Lion defense. Alexis Hernandez (Jr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) sprinted through to get a touch on the ball and go one-on-one with Saint Leo goalie Cristina Coca. Herenandez took a shot that found its way to the goal to make it a one-goal game.

However, Saint Leo scored the final goal of the game in the 83rd minute with Beard getting her second tally.

The Lions held a 15-7 advantage in shots and a 4-3 edge in corner kicks. Sarah Glass (R-Jr., Melbourne, Fla.) made five stops, while Coca had two saves.

Saturday's game also played a role in the seedings for the SSC Tournament. With 12 points, Saint Leo will be seeded fourth and will host most likely be a first-round host. NSU finished SSC play with 10 points and will be seeded fifth.

NSU is scheduled to finish out the regular season on Tuesday at NAIA-nationally ranked No. 11 Northwood at 4 p.m.