SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo beach volleyball team went 2-0 Saturday afternoon as the Lions defeated the State College of Florida and Florida Southern in 5-0 sweeps. The two victories moved the Lions' record to 10-2 on the year setting a new regular season wins record surpassing previous record of eight set during the 2019 season.
 
The Lions did not drop a single set in among the starting five duos on the day with both No. 6 matches going to three sets.
 
The Lions honored graduating seniors Amber Lake and Kirsten Kaiser prior to the opening match of the day and the two played together in the No. 4 match for the Lions. The two came out of the gates on fire winning 21-4, 21-16.
 
Juniors Sydney Omtvedt and Arlaina Stephenson improved to 8-2 as a team in the opening match winning at No. 1 versus the Manatees 21-12, 21-18. The rest of the lineup featured many new pairings and others who have played just a few matches together.
 
Junior Lina Russo and freshman Aliya Fredette-Huffman picked up a 21-16, 21-11 win at No. 2 versus SCF and won 21-13, 21-19 at No. 3 versus FSC. It was the first time the two had paired up during a match and they went 2-0.
 
Freshmen Ally-Reese Williams and LeeAnn Potter teamed up at No. 3 versus the Manatees and won 21-13, 21-16. The pair also teamed up versus FSC at No. 4 and won 24-22, 21-17. It was the first time the two had teamed up as they improved to 2-0 on the year as a pair.
 
The final point for the Lions versus the Manatees came at No. 5 as freshman Jeanette Henderson and sophomore Marissa Rakauskas took the match 21-9, 21-12. It marked just the second time the two had played together and they improved to 2-0.
 
In the No. 1 slot versus the Mocs, Stepheson teamed up with senior Nina Vattovaz and the pair won 21-12, 21-18 appearing as a team for just the second time this season. The two improved to 2-0 at No. 1 for the Lions.
 
At No. 2 it was senior Brooke Turner teaming up with Omtvedt as they cruised to a 21-8, 21-14 win. It was the first time the two had teamed up for the Lions.
 
The final point for the Lions came at No. 5 as Henderson teamed up with Lake and the two earned a 21-14, 21-12 victory, their first as a team.
 
The Lions will return to action Friday, April 16 as they open up play at the 2021 AVCA Small College Beach Championships in Tavares, Fla. The event is scheduled for three days from April 16-18.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on 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.
 
Keeping Our Lions Healthy & Safe
Saint Leo University Athletics is keeping our student-athletes healthy and safe by following a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes having student-athletes tested or screened on a regular basis, traveling in smaller groups, holding competitions without fans in attendance, avoiding overnight trips, and wearing masks when not competing. These safety standards meet those set by the NCAA Division II and the Sunshine State Conference President's Council. At Saint Leo University, the COVID-19 Incident Command Team also reviews the teams' safety protocol and monitors adherence on a regular basis.