SAINT LEO, Fla. – For the first time since 2008, the Saint Leo volleyball team fell at home to the Sharks of Nova Southeastern, 3-1, Friday night. Saint Leo won the opening set but was unable to maintain the momentum as the Sharks rattled off three-straight set victories to claim the match. Junior Annabella Arcari hit .500 for the match with 13 kills to lead the Lion effort.
 
Arcari was one of three Lions in double-figures as she was joined by fellow juniors Victoria Omoregie, who had 13 kills, and Nina Vattovaz, who chipped in 10. Omoregie hit .310 for the match and had a team-high three blocks while Vattovaz tied for the team lead with 15 digs for another double-double.
 
Freshman Cassandra Kamien dished out 40 assists while tying for the team lead with 15 digs. Senior libero Reggie Van Devender had 11 digs and a service ace.
 
The Lions opened the match with a 25-20 victory in the opening set but NSU pulled out the win with wins in the second (25-23), third (25-19) and fourth (25-22) sets.
 
The loss drops Saint Leo to 4-3 in Sunshine State Conference play and 7-8 overall while the Sharks improved to 4-11 overall and 2-6 in league action.
 
Nova Southeastern had three players reach double-figures led by Denvyr Tyler-Palmer who had 15 kills and 19 digs.   
 
Saint Leo will close out its four-match home stand tomorrow afternoon as the Lions host No. 9 Palm Beach Atlantic at 4 p.m. The first 50 students to arrive at the match will receive free pizza and the beach volleyball team will be holding a clinic from 1:30-2:30 p.m. which is open to all athletes ages 10-18 who are interested in the sport. The cost is $20 per attendee.
 
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.