The Saint Leo women’s volleyball team has played some tough opponents over the first half of the season. However, there has not been too big of an obstacle for the team as they have picked up victories against three ranked teams thus far.
Even in a beginning tough stretch of opponents, the Lions sit at 8-8 after their first 16 games played in the season, including a 3-2 record against ranked opponents and a 5-3 record against Sunshine State Conference foes.
Early on in their first tournament of the season, the team defeated the Flagler Saints who were ranked 25th at the time. On Sept. 8, the Lions hosted the Florida Southern Mocs and defeated them in five sets. The Mocs were ranked 21st at the time of the meeting. Finally, Sept. 29, the Lions again hosted a ranked team, this time the ninth ranked Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish and won 3-1.
“It was nice to come out and play with such comosure against a top 10 team,” said interim head coach Erik Peterson. “We knew we were going to get their best and I think we responded well. We made some adjustments throughout the match that really paid off and allowed our defense to make some big plays!”
Junior Nina Vattovaz left her mark on the game, scoring double-digit kills and digs against the Sailfish. @saintleowvb
Junior Nina Vattovaz led the Lions’ attackers with 13 kills, 12 digs and four blocks. Junior transfer Anilise Fitzi nearly had a double-double as she recorded eight kills and eight blocks that contributed 13 points to the Lions. It is great to see some of the Lions stepping up against some of Division II’s biggest threats and being able to elevate their own game.
Saint Leo never trailed in the opening set against Palm Beach Atlantic after jumping out to an 8-1 lead and hung on for a 25-23 victory in the first set. The Lions went on a 6-2 run in the second set to win 25-19. The third set was back-and-forth and a late run allowed the Sailfish to pick up a 25-21 win. The Lions bounced back in the fourth and final set of the game with a wire-to-wire victory and holding off a late Sailfish comeback attempt to win the set 25-23.
The Lions will take the court at home Friday, Oct. 12, as they battle against Lynn University at 7 p.m. Until then, they will be on a three-game road trip, which includes facing off against rival Tampa Spartans, who are ranked eighth in the nation.
