JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – The Saint Leo beach volleyball team took a pair of losses Saturday at the UNF Invitational in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. The Lions opened the day against the College of Charleston before taking on UNC Wilmington. Saint Leo dropped both matches 5-0.
 
Anilise Fitzi and Payton Bellano led the Saint Leo effort against the Cougars of CofC as they took a set in their No. 3 match. The Lions dropped the opening set 21-17 before tying the match with a 22-20 victory in set two. The Cougars clinched the point with a 15-9 win in the deciding third set. Beka Wachob and Brooke Turner fell 21-14, 21-17 in the No. 1 match while Sam Bogdan and Annabella Arcari put up a strong fight at No. 4 falling 21-14, 21-16.
 
The match against UNCW was a closely contested affair despite the 5-0 final. Amber Lake and Nina Vattovaz teamed up to win the opening set at No. 2 22-20 before falling in the second and third sets 21-14 and 15-12, respectively. Wachob and Turner put up a fight in the No. 1 match forcing extra points in the opening set before falling 24-22, 21-14.
 
Fitzi and Bellano dropped their second set at No. 3 21-19 while Arlaina Stephenson and Kirsten Kaiser fell in their second set at No. 5 21-18.
 
The Lions are now 1-6 on the season but have played a highly competitive schedule with many highly-ranked opponents. Saint Leo will open up the home portion of its schedule Wednesday, March 6 with a doubleheader against visiting UT Martin.  
 
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.