SAINT LEO, Fla. – Playing in front of one of the largest crowds in recent memory, the Saint Leo volleyball team stormed past the Moccasins of Florida Southern 3-0 Friday evening in their home debut under new head coach Jason Skoch. The Saint Leo Student Government Union and Campus Activities Board co-hosted a pre-match Block Party which helped pack the stands.
 
The Lions wasted no time getting the crowd behind them as they never trailed the entire match winning 25-18, 25-17 and 25-14. The victory moves Saint Leo to 7-2 on the year and a perfect 1-0 in Sunshine State Conference play. The Mocs, who were picked to finish one spot ahead of the Lions in the preseason SSC Coaches Poll, dropped to 2-6 overall and 0-1 in league play.
 
Three Lions reached double-figures in kills Friday night led by senior Anilise Fitzi and junior Ashley Quero who each put down 11 kills. Fitzi continued her hot play of late as she collected her 11 kills on just 17 swings with no errors. Her .647 attack percentage was tops on the team. Fitzi also paced the team in blocks with four. Quero just missed out on a double-double with 11 kills and eight digs. She was also one of three Lions with a service ace.
 
Senior Victoria Omoregie was the other Lion in double-digits as she collected 10 kills on 16 swings with one error for a .562 attack percentage from the right-side.  
 
Redshirt junior setter Anna Garrett delighted the crowd with three quick dump kills to go along with her 38 assists. Sophomore libero Payton Bellano led the team with 13 digs from her defensive position.
 
As a squad the Lions hit at a .418 clip while holding the Mocs to just .182. Saint Leo also out-dug the Mocs 40-35 while out-blocking them 4-1.
 
Saint Leo will face most likely its toughest competition of the season Saturday afternoon as the Lions travel to defending National Champions and 13^th-ranked Tampa for a 4 p.m. contest inside the Bob Martinez Center.     
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the 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.