LAKELAND, Fla. – Concluding the first day of the FSC/South Region Crossover, the Saint Leo University volleyball team emerged with another regional win after defeating the University of North Alabama 3-1, Friday evening.
The win improves the Lions record to 14-7 while the UNA Lions dip to 13-8 on their season. Saint Leo took its first two meetings in the Sunshine State/Gulf South Conference crossover hosted by Florida Southern College.
Libero Yaidimar Santiago conducted a stalwart defensive showing with 33 digs across the four-set victory. Right side hitter Alexa Griffith-Hardy provided the offensive spark, torching UNA for 15 kills at a sizzling .375 attack percentage. Lauren Campbell grounded 13 kills from the outside pin while fellow outside hitter Tawni Warren notched nine kills at a .381 clip. Junior Jillian Stolzenburg hit an errorless 6-for-9 from the middle as Saint Leo coasted to a 3-1 win.
UNA took the first stanza 25-16, keeping the Lions off-balance with three blocks and a spread offensive effort led by outside hitter Megan Gorey. Senior Santiago totaled 10 digs in the first set, but was unable to stymie North Alabama to begin play.
Saint Leo quickly regrouped and scrapped its way to a 30-28 win in the second frame. Warren ignited with a 5-for-9 attack while Griffith-Hardy terminated six kills. The back-and-forth set went to the Green and Gold to even the match 1-1.
North Alabama became unhinged in the third set as the team managed a meager -.171 team hitting percentage, doubling its kills with 12 attack errors. The Lions capitalized and dominated UNA 25-13 as the once strong offense quickly cooled as Saint Leo took a 2-1 match advantage.
The Green and Gold sealed the victory behind offensive duo Griffith-Hardy and Warren as the pair totaled nine kills in the 25-19 fourth set win. Libero Santiago ended the frame with nine digs to finish the game with 33. The two-consecutive Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Week amassed 67 digs on the day as the Lions pick up two regional wins.
Saint Leo will continue the FSC/South Region Crossover with an 11 a.m. contest against the Valdosta State University on Saturday. Live stats will be available through www.saintleolions.com.
For more information on the Saint Leo volleyball program, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Also, be sure to 'Like' the Lions on Facebook and 'Follow' Saint Leo Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
