Saint Leo University Athletics

SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University volleyball team faced its first nationally-ranked opponent of the season Saturday as the Lions traveled to No. 12 Lynn University. The Fighting Knights came out aggressive, taking the opening two sets by double digits at 25-13 and 25-14. The Lions fought back in the third, taking the set to the brink as Lynn held on for a 25-23 victory.
 
The loss drops Saint Leo to 4-10 on the season including 0-4 in Sunshine State Conference play while Lynn improved to 11-2 and 3-1 in league action.
 
Junior Gina Stavile led the Lions with nine kills while adding three blocks, a service ace and a dig. Junior Chloe Danielson made the most of her limited swings as she tallied five kills on just nine swings to finish second on the team in kills. She posted a .444 hitting percentage and added a block.
 
Freshman Jansen Warbritton posted a double-double with 21 assists and 10 digs while also picking up a kill, a block and a service ace. Her 10 digs were a team-high, while classmate Reagan Lyerla finished in second with eight while adding four kills.
 
Lynn had a pair of attackers in double-figures as Lira Pukl Verdel led the way with 13 and Lillia Neill added 10.
 
The opening set was back-and-forth early but a 9-1 run by Lynn opened things up giving the hosts a 19-9 lead. The Knights went on to take the set 25-13. The Lions opened the second set with the advantage but after getting ahead 9-7, Lynn began an 18-5 run which closed out the set and gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the match. The third set was back-and-forth throughout but it looked like the Lions may force a fourth set as they led 22-21 late in the period. Back-to-back kills by the hosts gave Lynn a 23-22 lead. The next rally looked like it was going the Knights way but a net violation gave Saint Leo the point and tied the set at 23-23. Lynn responded with a kill followed by a block to seal the match 25-23.
 
Saint Leo will not have much rest as the Lions host top-five opponent and multi-time National Champions University of Tampa Tuesday night inside Marion Bowman Activities Center. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.