ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Saint Leo beach volleyball team opened the Battle on the Bay, hosted by Eckerd College, with a 5-0 loss to Florida Gulf Coast University. The match was much closer than the score indicates as the Lions went to three sets in two of the five matches and battled tough in the remaining three contests.
 
The Lions nearly picked up victories in the No. 1 and No. 5 matches. Amber Lake and Nina Vattovaz won their opening set at No. 1 21-19 before falling in the second (21-19) and third sets (15-5). Annabella Arcari and Arlaina Stephenson did the same in the No. 5 match as they took the opening set 22-20 before falling 21-19 and 15-8 in the final periods.
 
Brooke Turner and Beka Wachob battled at No. 2 but eventually fell 21-18, 21-12. The No. 3 match went in FGCU's favor 21-12, 21-16 while the Eagles won at No. 4 21-15, 21-12.
 
The Lions will face a familiar foe in the opening match of day two in North Florida while taking on Webber International in the second contest of the day on Saturday.  
 
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.