DeLAND, Fla. – The Saint Leo beach volleyball program opened its 2019 campaign Friday afternoon with a pair of matches against nationally-ranked programs. The Lions opened the year against 10^th-ranked Florida International and fell 5-0 to the Panthers before being swept by host and 17^th-ranked Stetson 5-0.
 
The Lions and Panthers took to the Cooper Beach Courts at 10 a.m. Friday morning with FIU jum[ing ahead early and not looking back. FIU won on court four 21-6, 21-11 to take an early 1-0 lead before earning its second point on court five at 21-18, 21-11. The clinching point came at number two as the Panthers won 21-13, 21-9. FIU went on to win court three 21-14, 21-11 before closing out the sweep at 21-15, 21-7.
 
 Stetson won its match against the Lions in reverse order taking courts five through one in order.
 
The 2019 Lions lineup saw several new faces take to the courts. Returning sophomore Brooke Turner and junior transfer Beka Wachob were the opening day number one team while returning sophomore Nina Vattovaz and junior transfer Amber Lake played at number two. Freshmen Payton Bellano and Anilise Fitzi played at number three while sophomore Annabella Arcari and sophomore transfer Sam Bogdan teamed up at four. The final pair featured freshmen Kirsten Kaiser and Arlaina Stephenson.
 
The Lions will return to the Cooper Beach Courts tomorrow morning as they battle SSC rival Eckerd at 8 a.m. followed by a noon match-up with 13^th-ranked Georgia State.
 
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.