SAINT LEO, Fla. – For the sixth time this season the Saint Leo volleyball team saw its match head to a fifth and decisive set and for the sixth time the Lions fell 3-2 to visiting Palm Beach Atlantic. The Lions now have just eight losses on the season and six have come in five sets.
 
The loss drops the Lions' record to 17-8 overall and 8-6 in Sunshine State Conference play. The Sailfish improved to 14-11 on the year and 6-8 in conference play.
 
Four Lions reached double-figures in the loss as seniors Victoria Omoregie and Nina Vattovaz led the way with 11 kills each. Junior Michelle Cuervo and senior Annabella Arcari each chipped in 10 kills to the effort.
 
The Lions had their block game going early and finished the match with 13 team blocks led by senior Anilise Fitzi who finished with eight block assists. Omoregie chipped in seven block assists while Arcari chipped in five blocks including two solo stops.
 
Sophomore libero Payton Bellano finished with 22 digs in the loss while redshirt junior Anna Garrett dished out 35 assists.
 
The Lions won the second and third sets while PBA took control of the first, fourth and fifth sets. After falling 25-21 in the opening set the Lions controlled the next two 25-18 and 25-15. The fourth set swung PBA's way at 25-21 before the Sailfish ran away with the fifth, 15-10, after opening the period with a 9-2 run.
 
Saint Leo hit just .220 as a squad but it was still better than the visiting Sailfish who finished at .187. The Sailfish placed four attackers in double-figures with Jazz Schmidt leading the way with a match-high 15.
 
Saint Leo will now turn its attention to Eckerd who defeated the Lions 3-1 earlier this season. The Lions will travel to the Tritons Tuesday night for a 7 p.m. SSC match-up.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on 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.