TAMPA, Fla. – The Saint Leo volleyball team lost to ninth-ranked Tampa Spartans, 3-1, in a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) matchup at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center on Wednesday night. With this result, the Lions move to 5-15 overall and 1-11 in SSC play, while Tampa improves to 18-2 and 10-2 in the conference.

Saint Leo secured the second set with a close 25-23 win and keeping Tampa on their toes throughout the evening. Key contributors included senior Oliwia Durka, who led the Lions with 17 kills, and junior Tajma Muharemovic, who dished out 26 assists.  Freshman Madison Moore added seven kills, while junior Anyaliz Rodriguez recorded eight kills and nine digs to strengthen the Lions' defensive front.

The Lions tied the score nine times in the fourth set and exchanged leads three times before Tampa sealed the win. Saint Leo displayed a defensive effort that boasted a total of 48 digs. The Lions also tallied six service aces during the match.

Saint Leo returns to the court on Friday, November 8 as it hosts Embry-Riddle in a conference bout, starting at 7 p.m.