Saint Leo University Athletics

Tampa, FL. – The Saint Leo volleyball team dropped a five-set thriller to #3 ranked Tampa on the road in an SSC rival.
 
The Lions (8-2, 3-1 SSC) came into this matchup on a two-game winning streak, looking to take down one of the nation's top teams.
 
The Green and Gold had a slow start out of the gate with the Spartans (10-0, 5-0 SSC) coming out very aggressive in the first set. The Spartans were able to put a lot of offensive pressure on the Lions and quickly opened the match with a 6-0 run. The Lions got it going mid-set, but it was too much to overcome with the Spartans taking the first set 9-24.
 
The second set was much different with the Lions cranking up the defensive pressure. The Spartans were able to build a six-point lead but shortly after the Lions were able to battle back and tie the set up 22-22. Graduate Student Reagan Hopp led the Lions in this match with 13 kills, followed by Senior Madi Certain and Junior Oliwia Durka with 8 kills apiece.
 
Tied up 1-1 going into the 3^rd set, The Spartans came out hot early again racing out to a 15-5 lead. They were able to take the 3^rd set convincingly with a match set score of 12-25.
 
The Spartans looked to close things out in the 4^th set, but the resiliency of the Lions showed. The Lions fought back and forth with the Spartans and the set came down to both teams tied up 20-20. Junior Oliwia Durka was instrumental in the 4^th set, closing out the Spartans 25-21 with an exceptional kill.
 
The Lions ultimately fell after a valiant effort in the fifth set 6-15. The Lions displayed a tremendous amount of heart during this in-conference SSC showdown. The Lions became the first opponent to push the #3 Ranked Spartans to five sets this season.  
 
The Lions will now face Embry-Riddle University in a road conference matchup at the ICI Center. The Lions and Eagles will take to the court at 7 p.m. 

For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Volleyball, 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.