JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Saint Leo beach volleyball team headed to the Florida east coast early Friday morning to face two NCAA Division I programs during the opening day of Jacksonville University's Dolphin Duels. The Lions split the day dropping a 5-0 first match to Coastal Carolina but bounced back to upset the hosts, Jacksonville, 3-2. Friday's results move the Green and Gold's overall record 4-2 overall.
 
In game one, Saint Leo fourth duo, Clare Flanagan and Elizabeth Sandoval, came back from a first set 21-14 loss to equalize the match at 1-1. The Lions took set two with a score of 21-15. Despite the efforts, the Chanticleer's edged the Lions in the third set; 15-5.
 
 
In game two, Saint Leo celebrated wins at the first, third, and fourth pairings to return quickly to its' winning ways. Nina Vattovaz and Jeanette Henderson earned their fourth win together in the top spot with a 21-12, 21-16 final tally. Meanwhile, Ally-Reese Williams and Emma Miller responded swiftly to taking their first loss together in game one to a 21-17, 21-19 win at the three spot. The dynamic duo's answer lifted their record together to 5-1.

With the match tied at 2-2, Clare Flanagan and Brenna Reinhard rounded off the clutch win. The fours clinched the match in a dramatic three-set fashion. Flanagan and Reinhard took the first set 21-17 but dropped a tight 21-18 second set. The clinched the match for the Green and Gold with a 15-11 third set victory.  
 
 
Saint Leo Pairing Results vs Coastal Carolina
1. Irena Drobnjak / Martine Kragholm def. Nina Vattovaz / Jeanette Henderson (21-13, 21-16)
2. Sarah Riedell / Madie Lichty def. Aliya Fredette-Huffman / LeeAnn Potter (21-18, 22-20)
3. Ellie Hanford / Nat Honzovicova def. Ally-Reese Williams / Emma Miller (21-18, 21-7)
4. Emma Gonzalez / Carli Ginther def. Clare Flanagan / Elizabeth Sandoval (21-14, 15-21, 15-5)
5. Raychel Ehlers / Madison Alren def. Brenna Reinhard / Amanda Doherty (21-4, 21-8)
 
Saint Leo Pairing Results vs Jacksonville
1. Nina Vattovaz / Jeanette Henderson def. Shaylee Befus / Olivia Szyskiewicz (21-12, 21-16)
2. Sydney Elkhardt / Emily Kubilsko def. Aliya Fredette-Huffman / LeeAnn Potter (21-16, 19-21, 17-15)
3. Ally-Reese Williams / Emma Miller def. Jenna McNamara / Macie Sacristan (21-17, 21-19)
4. Clare Flanagan / Brenna Reinhard def. Rina Mitchell / Marisa Rakauskas (21-17, 18-21, 15-10)
5. Anna Dunbar / Collen Ziekelmaier def. Elizabeth Sandoval / Amanda Doherty (12-13, 18-21, 15-11)
 
Up Next
Saint Leo will make a quick return to the Payne Sand Volleyball Courts at Dolphin Beach. Tomorrow, Saturday, Feb 26 Saint Leo is set to face Erskine at 8:00 a.m. followed by a 2:00 p.m. match against Palm Beach Atlantic.
 
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.