TAMPA, Fla. – Facing the top-ranked program in the nation, the Saint Leo University volleyball team fell to the No. 1 University of Tampa 3-0, Friday evening.

The loss pushes the Lions record to 7-3, 2-1 in Sunshine State Conference matches while the Spartans improve to 9-1, 2-0 in SSC play.  Tampa concluded with set scores of 25-20, 25-17, and 25-19.

Senior Alexa Griffith-Hardy led the SLU attack with eight kills while sophomore Hope Lemon contributed seven.  The latter posted a .417 attack percentage to compliment a 3-for-6 showing from Jillian Stolzenburg.

Libero Yaidimar Santiago posted 14 digs to tempo the defense as outside hitter Lauren Campbell notched nine digs in addition to six kills.

Freshman Lauren Sheeley blocked three Spartan attacks but the team was unable to overcome the No. 1 ranked Tampa.

The Spartans were led by reigning SSC Player of the Year Berkley Whaley, as the junior grounded 13 kills for the home squad. 

Saint Leo will return to the court for another road matchup against SSC foe Eckerd College on Saturday.  The Lions square off at the MacArthur Center on the Tritons campus at 4 p.m.  Live stat links are available on www.saintleolions.com.

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