SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University volleyball team (11-16, 4-12 SSC) dropped Friday night's match in four sets against Nova Southeastern University (16-10, 9-7 SSC).

Nova Southeastern University took the match against Saint Leo by set scores of 23-25, 19-25, 26-24, 11-25.

Elizabeth Sandoval paced the Lions with a team-high nine kills, followed by Kennedy DeLuca's seven kills. On the defensive side, Jeanette Henderson led Saint Leo notching 13 digs on the night, while DeLuca recorded a team-high five blocks.

The Lions came out of the gates firing, jumping out to a quick 6-0 ignited by one of Sandoval's five kills in the first set. Nova Southeastern would answer back with a 6-0 run of their own to jump out to a commanding lead. Saint Leo would keep battling tying the set at 18 thanks to a Sandoval kill. A Sharks 5-0 run late in the set would be enough to steal the set from the Lions 25-23.

Similar to the first set, both teams began the set with a close battle trading points early. Cambry Pope would kickstart an 8-0 Sharks run with one of her team-high 14 kills. Nova Southeastern would hit for their best kill percentage in the second set at .435 as they took a 2-0 lead heading into the third set.

The Lions wouldn't back down, stringing together a quick 8-3 lead in the third set thanks to a pair of early runs. Saint Leo would keep the pressure on the Sharks stringing together a late 7-0 run, but the Sharks would answer backing forcing a win by two scenario to end the set. However, the Lions fight was too strong  off as Saint Leo would steal the lead force a fourth set. 

The Sharks would end the Lions attempt at a comeback taking the final set 25-11. Nova Southeastern would average their best hitting percentage of the match at .364 %.
 
The Lions will return to action Saturday afternoon for a conference showdown as the Green & Gold host Lynn University. Stay tuned for schedule announcements.
 
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