ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Saint Leo University women's volleyball team opened up its 2014 season on Friday at the SpringHill Suites Invitational hosted by the University of Alaska at Anchorage.

Nearly 4,000 miles from home, the Lions fell narrowly to host Alaska-Anchorage by a 3-2 score in the first match, before dropping a close 3-2 game to LIU Post.

The Green and Gold dip to 0-2 to begin the season while the Seawolves of UAA and the Pioneers of LIU-Post each improve to 1-0.

Senior Lauren Campbell had a career day as she grounded 35 kills between the two contests.  The outside hitter posted a double-double in both matches, contributing on defense with 14 digs against each opponent. 

Alaska-Anchorage took the first game of the twinbill by set scores of 25-16, 17-25, 25-16, 24-26, 15-9.  Campbell posted 15 kills while fellow outside hitter Tawni Warren notched 11.  Libero Yaidimar Santiago paced the defense with 15 digs.

Campbell continued her onslaught into the second match, hitting a barrage of 20 kills against LIU-Post.  The Pioneers outlasted the Lions, winning by set scores of 25-22, 22-25, 26-24, 22-25, 15-9.

Junior Jillian Stolzenburg planted nine kills at a .421 attack percentage in while senior setter Rachel Olliff spun a double-double, picking up a career-high 48 assists and 16 digs.  Senior Santiago totaled 14 digs in the second game to end the day with 29.

The Lions will get back in action on Saturday, September 6 when they face LIU Post and Alaska-Anchorage for the second time during the tournament. Game times are set for 4:00 p.m. and 11 p.m. EST, respectively.

For more on the Saint Leo women's volleyball team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Also, be sure to 'Like' the Lions on Facebook and 'Follow' Saint Leo Athletics on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

*Photo courtesy of Sam Wasson and UAA Athletics