Even though the final exams finish on April 26, some Saint Leo Lions will be active even after that. Sports teams will be competing on campus during the summer break, some playing into June depending on how well they do.
The Lion’s baseball team finishes their regular season competing at Florida Southern College on May 14, and if they make it into the playoffs, their season can potentially end on June 4 with a national championship. That is assuming a lot though, considering the baseball team currently is not ranked nationally and sitting in fifth place in the Sunshine State Conference with a record of 24-16. They will likely need to win most of their nine remaining games to make the playoffs.
The softball team remains strong, despite being swept by Palm Beach Atlantic on April 15 and 16, the team holds a 37-4 overall record and is ranked fourth in the country as of April 18. Their regular season ends with three games at Rollins College on April 22 and 23. They should easily qualify for the regional tournament, the first stage of the playoffs, and are talented enough that they can make it to the national championship tournament. If they make it through to there, their season can end as late as May 21, almost a full month after other students head home for their summer relaxation.
Both men’s and women’s tennis will play on after finals, competing in the Sunshine State Conference Championships from April 28 through April 30. Both teams have been dominant this year, each going 18-1 as of April 18. Should this run of excellence continue, they might play through until May 21, competing for the National Championship in Denver, Colo. As the men are the number two team in the country and the women are number three as of the latest ITA Division Two College Tennis rankings from March 23, it is highly likely they will make a strong postseason run.
Men’s and women’s lacrosse will end their regular seasons on April 23, but the men’s team may still have more games for them. They are currently 8-4, with a 1-3 in-conference record. This is good enough for fourth place right now in the Sunshine State Conference, and if they maintain that position in the standings, they will play on April 29 in the conference tournament.
The women’s team has had a rough season, going 3-10 overall and winless in the conference. While it is unlikely the team will play further this season after their April 23 regular season finale, next season will bring renewed hope and renewed purpose. Finally the men’s and women’s track teams will be racing as late as May 12. Finishing up their second official season, the track team has had outstanding performances by cross country stars Colette Rampf and Valentin Lenz, as well as first place finishes throughout the season. Some of the runners may qualify for the national championships, meaning the Lions will be prowling the track until May 28.
This summer may be relaxing for the non-student athletes, but many of our sports stars will stay busy this break, so keep your eyes open for all the summer details.
