LAKELAND, Fla. – The Saint Leo University volleyball team made its final midweek trip as it made the short 50-minute drive down US-98 to Florida Southern College. The Lions evened the match with a win in the second set before falling in the third and fourth set. The Lions and the Mocs met for the second time in a week as FSC left Saint Leo with a 3-0 win last Wednesday.  

Saint Leo's offense finished with a .097 team hitting percentage compared to Florida Southern's .330. The Lions (5-21, 1-17 Sunshine State Conference) will look to rebound in their final two matches of the season as they aim to end the year on a high note. Florida Southern improved to 14-12 overall and 8-10 in SSC play.

FLORIDA SOUTHERN 3, SAINT LEO 1

• The first set belonged to Florida Southern, as the Mocs dominated with a .480 hitting percentage and took advantage of Saint Leo's offensive struggles. The Lions tallied just three kills and committed eight errors for a hitting percentage of -.172, falling 25-8.
• Despite a strong showing in the second set, the Lions couldn't sustain the momentum against a potent Moccasin offense.
• Saint Leo regrouped in the second set, finding its rhythm and putting together one of its best offensive sets of the season. The Lions hit .385, led by Oliwia Durka's 14 kills (.258 hitting percentage) and Anyaliz Rodriguez's 10 kills (.227 hitting percentage). Their strong play, coupled with Florida Southern's unforced errors, allowed the Lions to claim the set 25-15 and tie the match.
• FSC responded with precision in the third set, producing a flawless .609 hitting percentage without committing an error. Madison Fowler spearheaded the attack with 11 kills on a stellar .526 hitting percentage, while Sandora Sasaki added 12 kills, hitting .478. The Mocs' efficiency proved too much as they rolled to a 25-13 win.
• The fourth set was a competitive battle, featuring eight ties and four lead changes. The Lions fought valiantly to extend the match, with contributions from Durka, Rodriguez, and Molly Chappell. However, Florida Southern's balanced attack and timely defense sealed a 25-19 victory to clinch the match.

UP NEXT
Saint Leo is set to close out the 2024 season this weekend with a trip down south to Lynn and Palm Beach Atlantic. First serve at Lynn is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday evening.