BOCA RATON, Fla. – With a clean-sweep of the Boca Raton Courtyard by Marriott Classic, head volleyball coach Sam Cibrone earned his 200th career victory. The milestone was reached thanks to a pair straight-set wins against Fort Valley State University and Colorado Christian University.
The Lions improve to 5-2 on their 2014 campaign while the Tigers of FVSU dip to 1-4 and the Cougars of CCU sit 3-3. Saint Leo University's most successful volleyball coach stands 200-135 in his 11th year at the helm of the program.
"I am happy that the program has come a long way, the wins aren't really about me but they are about the program as a whole" said Cibrone of the milestone. "I think we have the tools for continued success, we just need to continue to apply ourselves and execute our game plans."
Sophomore Hope Lemon finished the two games with 23 total kills, nine digs and seven service aces to pace the Lion offense. Senior Lauren Campbell posted 19 kills on the day to go along with 22 digs and four aces.
Libero Yaidimar Santiago held the defensive tempo with 28 digs while setter Rachel Olliff assisted 61 attacks on the doubleheader.
The Lions made quick work of the Tigers, sweeping FVSU 3-0 by set scores of 25-11, 25-13, and 25-6. Senior Alexa Griffith-Hardy continued her momentum, swatting six kills in eight swings for a .750 attack percentage. Outside hitting Lemon grounded six kills at an even .400 clip, adding five service aces to tie her match-high from last contest.
Senior duo Warren and Campbell each picked up seven kills in the sweep while Campbell contributed three service aces. The Green and Gold hit .415 as a team on the match, ending the third set at a blistering .688 attack percentage. Freshman Naomi Mack hit .750 in the first game to round out the Lions scoring efforts.
The Green and Gold turned to a well-rounded offense to defeat CCU by set scores of 27-25, 25-20, and 31-29. Three players reached double-digit kills with Lemon leading the way, pummeling the Cougars for 17 kills. Campbell notched a double-double with 12 kills and 20 digs as Warren posted a 10-kill outing.
The defense was equally impressive as Santiago picked up 23 digs to complement Campbell, as the tandem limited the Cougars to a .148 team attack percentage.
The Lions open up Sunshine State Conference play with a pair of home contests against Florida Tech and Lynn University. The volleyball home-opener versus the Panthers of FIT will be played Friday, Sept. 19 slated for a 7 p.m. start. Live stats as well as a live video webcast will be available through www.saintleolions.com.
For more information on the women's volleyball program, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Also, be sure to 'Like' the Lions on Facebook and 'Follow' Saint Leo Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
