LAKELAND, Fla. – The Saint Leo University volleyball team closed out the first week of the season at the Jet's Pizza FSC Volleyball Classic in Lakeland hosted by Florida Southern College on Saturday afternoon. The Lions attempted a comeback with a win in the third set, however Anderson claimed the 3-1 victory.  

Molly Chappell led the Lions with 11 kills, while Jala Drayton added eight on a .238 hitting clip. Setter Tajma Muharemovic paced the offense with 17 assists, and Giada Solorzano anchored the defense with a team-high 15 digs. Brielle Kallberg chipped in nine points through six kills and four block assists, while Moser collected steady back-row play with multiple digs to keep rallies alive.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1 | Anderson 25, Saint Leo 11
The Lions opened the match with energy, battling through extended rallies and testing Anderson's defense. Libero Mia Moser anchored the back row with timely digs, while Brielle Kallberg and Molly Chappell swung aggressively at the net. Although the Trojans' offense was sharp, Saint Leo used the set to settle into rhythm and lay the groundwork for stronger play as the match continued.

Set 2 | Anderson 25, Saint Leo 22
Saint Leo found its stride in the second frame, delivering its most efficient hitting stretch of the afternoon at .167. Chappell and Jala Drayton sparked the offense with kills in key moments, while setter Tajma Muharemovic spread the attack with poise. The Lions battled point-for-point in the late stages, showing resilience and composure before Anderson narrowly claimed the set.

Set 3 | Saint Leo 25, Anderson 23
The Lions' persistence paid off in the third, where they broke through for a well-earned set victory. Chappell tallied multiple kills to lead the way, while Drayton added power at the net with eight total kills in the match. Saint Leo also found support from its block, with Kallberg and Gina Stavile providing important touches. A late rally sealed the set 25-23, giving the Lions momentum and life.

Set 4 | Anderson 25, Saint Leo 17
Carrying confidence from the third, the Lions continued to push Anderson in the fourth. Kallberg and Kaitlyn Anderson were active at the net, while Giada Solorzano anchored the defense with a team-high 15 digs. Saint Leo strung together several strong runs, but Anderson managed to hold on late to close the match. Even in defeat, the Lions showed fight and flashes of their potential throughout the afternoon.
  
UP NEXT
Saint Leo is back in action on Monday to host Florida College in an exhibition at 7 p.m. in the Marion Bowman Activities Center.