TAVARES, Fla. – The Saint Leo beach volleyball team wrapped up its 2021 season in the AVCA Small College Beach Championship quarterfinals as the Lions fell 3-0 to Palm Beach Atlantic. Despite the loss the Lions have much to be proud of as the team tied the program record for wins in a season with 12 and junior Arlaina Stephenson set the single season record for individual victories at 13. Senior Nina Vattovaz, who is returning for one more season in 2022, holds the career wins record at 40.
 
The two paired up at No. 1 this week and fell to Palm Beach Atlantic 21-14, 21-12. Senior Brooke Turner and junior Sydney Omtvedt went into extras in each of their games falling 22-20, 22-20 at No. 2. The final point of the day came at No. 3 as junior Lina Russo and Aliya Fredette-Huffman fell 21-10, 21-11.
 
The Lions 12-5 record in 2021 is the best in program history as the Green and Gold tied the program record for wins despite playing several fewer matches due to the COVID-19 protocols. Stephenson's 13 individual wins this season set a new program mark while her flight mate Omtvedt for most of the season is tied for second all-time in single season wins with 12. Omtvedt tied the previous program record of 12 wins set by Vattovaz and current senior Amber Lake during the 2019 season.
 
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.