SAINT LEO, FLA. 12/30/01- The Keene State College women's basketball team began its two-game Florida trip with a 68-56 loss to Saint Leo University on Sunday.

Erika Forsberg (Laconia, NH) led the Owls with 15 points. Nicole Fargione (Colonie, N.Y.) had 12 points and a team-high eight rebound while Hayley Alaimo (Ellington, CT) finished with 10 points. KSC played the game without top scorer, freshman Meghan Csizmesia (Arlington, Vt.).

Saint Leo jumped out to a 18-7 advantage with 8:49 left in the opening half and left the floor at half-time with a 32-25 lead. The Lions outscored Keene State 10-2 in the first 3;29 of the second half to increase their advantage to 42-27.

The Owls hit just six of 24 shots behind the arc and were outrebounded 53-26 in the game.

Jessica Goneconte and Lisa Cronauer led Saint Leo (4-7), a Division II team, with 13 points each.

Keene State (5-4) conclude its trip with a game against Warner Southern College on Wednesday (4 p.m.).