FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Saint Leo University volleyball team (12-17, 5-13 SSC) bounced back from this weekend's losses by defeating Nova Southeastern University (14-14, 7-11 SSC) Monday night in five sets by set scores of 25-20, 25-20,17-25, 19-25, 15-11.

Elizabeth Sandoval set the tone for the Lions offense with a team-high 12 kills. Tajma Muharemovic was one dig shy of a double-double collecting eight digs and 33 assists.

Both teams battled throughout the first set staying neck and neck with both sides trading short runs. A Nova Southeastern service error late would spark a Lions set-high 7-0 run which allowed Saint Leo to steal the first set, 25-20. Colby Stempkowski led the Lions offense with a set-high four kills.

The Lions kept their first set momentum heading into the second set. Saint Leo would hit for their second-best percentage of the night in the second set at .308. The Lions would string together several small runs to give them the edge over the Sharks in the middle set 25-20.

Nova Southeastern was able to spoil the potential Saint Leo sweep taking the third set 17-25. The Sharks would keep their third set momentum and hit for their best percentage in the match at .333 with a match-high kill percentage of .472 in the fourth set.

The Lions came out of the gates charging in the final set jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead. The two teams would grind out the match finale with a tight battle. Saint Leo was able to grind out a late set rally to jump ahead of Nova Southeastern to secure the match, 15-11. Saint Leo had a match high .476 kill percentage in the final set.

The Lions return to action in St. Petersburg Friday evening for a conference showdown as the Green & Gold travel to Eckerd College. Stay tuned for schedule announcements.
 
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