Saint Leo women’s volleyball played a home game against the Nova Southeastern Sharks Sept. 28. This was an unexpected win for the Sharks as it was the first time they beat the Lions at Saint Leo since 2008. The Lions were fighting hard to bring their record over 0.50, however, their effort fell a little short as they lost 3-1.
Junior Annabella Arcari was a star for the Lions against Nova hitting .50percent for the match with 13 kills to lead the Lions’ team. Arcari was one of the three Lions who were in double-figures as she was joined by two other juniors, Victoria Omoregie who also had 13 kills and Nina Vattovaz, who had 10 kills herself. Vattovaz was playing her role on defense too as she had a team-high three blocks and 15 digs. Freshman Cassandra Kamien continues to play great as she dished out 40 assists while also having 15 digs of her own. Senior Reggie Van Devender had 11 digs and a service ace to top off her great performance. Despite the great play the Lions still lost the series to the Sharks.
Saint Leo started strong by winning the opening set, but they were unable to keep the momentum going as they lost three straight sets to Nova Southeastern. The first set’s final score was 25-20 Lions, while the following sets were 25-23, 25-129 and 25-22, all Shark victories. This loss drops Saint Leo to 4-3 in the Sunshine State Conference and brings them to a 7-8 overall record. The Lions finished off their home game streak a match against Palm Beach Atlantic the next afternoon.
Day twofor the weekend was better for the Lions as they secured a big win against #9 Palm Beach Atlantic. It was the third time this season that the women defeated a top-25 opponent.
Vattovaz had another big day with 13 more kills and 12 more digs. Junior Anilise Fitzi didn’t reach double digits, but her eight kills with eight blocks were nothing to overlook in their 3-1 victory. Sophomore Ashley Quero and junior Victoria Omoregie also put up double-figures as they both had 12 and 11 kills. Kamien stayed hot by adding 39 assist and eight digs. This biggest story of the game may be Fabiola Rosado making her first career start on the back line with a career-high 12 digs, three assists and an ace.
Saint Leo never trailed in opening sets as the Lions quickly started 8-1 and never looked back for a 25-23 victory in the first set.
The second set was similar, and the Lions closed it out 25-29. The third set was back-and-forth early, but the Sailfish eventually pulled ahead for a 25-21 lead. Then finally the Lions close it out in the fourth set with another 25-23 victory. Saint Leo now has a three-game road swing starting tomorrow night as they go to Lakeland to face Florida Southern College.
