WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – For the fifth time this season the Saint Leo volleyball team picked up a victory over a nationally-ranked opponent Friday night. The Lions traveled to West Palm Beach, Fla., to face the No. 16 Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish, whom they upset earlier this season inside the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The Lions came away with a 3-0 sweep of the Sailfish just the second sweep PBA has suffered this season and just their fourth loss of the year.
 
With three matches left during the regular season the Lions are battling for a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament and Friday night's victory will make a statement to the selection committee as they build their South Region field in a couple of weeks.
 
The Lions are now 15-13 overall and 10-7 in Sunshine State Conference play while the Sailfish fell to 25-4 and 14-4 in league action.
 
Sophomore Ashley Quero paced the Lions offensively with 16 kills over the three sets while junior Victoria Omoregie chipped in 10. Freshman setter Cassandra Kamien handed out 36 assists, while digging up the ball six times and assisting on four blocks.
 
Senior Reggie Van Devender dug up a team-high 16 attacks from the back row while freshman Payton Bellano added 12. Junior Nina Vattovaz was the only other Lion to reach double-digits as she had 11 digs to go along with four kills.
 
The Lions tallied 11 blocks in the match led by junior Anilise Fitzi who had six total stops including one solo.
 
Saint Leo held the Sailfish without a double-digit kill performer as Molly Burkhardt led the squad with nine kills. The Sailfish struggled to find the offensive touch as they tallied a team .096 hitting percentage compared to the Lions' .195.
 
Saint Leo will not have much time to celebrate as the Lions travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., tomorrow afternoon for a 4 p.m. match against Nova Southeastern.    
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo volleyball, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com.  Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.