SAINT LEO, Fla. – The 2019 Saint Leo beach volleyball season is set to begin as the Lions travel to the Stetson Spring Fling to face a trio of top-20 programs. The Lions are competing in just their second official season and are looking to improve on a successful 2018.
 
Saint Leo takes to the court for the first time Friday versus 10^th-ranked Florida International at 10 a.m. before facing host and 17^th-ranked Stetson at 2 p.m. The weekend will conclude on Saturday with matches against Eckerd at 8 a.m. and 13^th-ranked Georgia State at noon.
 
The 2019 Saint Leo lineup features seven newcomers and three returners from the inaugural Lions beach volleyball squad. Three of the newcomers come in with previous beach volleyball collegiate experience including junior Beka Wachob, who competed at Lincoln Memorial, junior Amber Lake, who spent two seasons at Webber International, and sophomore Sam Bogdan, who played one season at Jacksonville State University.
 
Sophomores Nina Vattovaz, Brooke Turner and Annabella Arcari headline the returning class. Vattovaz led the Lions last season with eight victories including seven at the No. 3 spot. Turner turned in six wins with most of her action taking place at No. 2. Arcari posted four victories and saw all her matches at No. 5.
 
Saint Leo finished 5-10 in its inaugural season including picking up two victories at the AVCA Small College Championship. FIU will mark the highest ranked opponent the Lions have faced in the program's history.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo beach 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.