LAKELAND, Fla. – The Saint Leo University volleyball team dropped its Tuesday matchup against Florida Southern College by a final score of 3-1.

The Mocs improve to 10-4, 6-1 in Sunshine State Conference play while the Lions fall to 9-6 with a 4-3 showing in SSC contests.

Reigning SSC Defensive Player of the Week Yaidimar Santiago had another strong performance, picking up 25 digs in the four-set loss. The Green and Gold totaled 67 team digs, but the offense was unable to match FSC.

Senior Alexa Griffith-Hardy blasted 14 kills at a team-leading .462 attack percentage while fellow senior Lauren Campbell terminated an even 10.  Campbell posted a double-double as the outside hitter flashed her defensive prowess with 10 digs.

The Lions were on the wrong end of a 25-15 premier set, as the Mocs offense was working efficiently to begin play.  Santiago posted six digs in the first stanza for Saint Leo, but the offense was unable to find a rhythm.

The Saint Leo defense trumped FSC in the second set as the Lions posted 22 digs to the Mocs 13.  Santiago led the squad with seven in the second frame while Lemon grounded six kills to lead the offense.  The Green and Gold won a hard-fought second set 25-22 to even the match 1-1.

Florida Southern edged Saint Leo 26-24 in the third set. The Mocs came back from a 22-18 deficit to take a 2-1 advantage on the match.  Defensive whiz Santiago continued to cover the floor with eight digs, 21 total through the first three sets.

The Mocs jumped to a 5-0 lead in the fourth stanza as the Lions were unable to overcome the margin.  FSC took the set by a 25-15 final score.

The Lions will continue its road series with a Winter Park, Fla. contest against Rollins College.  The Oct. 10 match will begin at 7 p.m. with live stats available on 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.