By Jeff Odom
The Saint Leo University (SLU) volleyball team didn’t have many answers for Lynn University in a matinee, as the Lions were dealt their second Sunshine State Conference (SSC) loss in as many nights 23-25, 25-23, 17-25, 23-25 Sept. 22.
Following a four set loss to Barry University the night before, the Lions (6-4, 0-2 SSC) had no answers for the Fighting Knights’ (9-2, 2-1 SSC) offensive attack, as five players finished with double-digit kills, led by Angie Caple with 15.
In the fourth set, Saint Leo looked poised to force a fifth in dominating fashion, leading 22-18. However, Lynn built momentum and rallied to score seven out of the final eight points to seal the victory.
“We just lost focus,” said Saint Leo coach Sam Cibrone. “Bottom line is, we thought we had the game in the bag, and we just let up and we didn’t play good defense. Balls hit the ground that shouldn’t have hit. … Sometimes it happens.”
SLU couldn’t manage a large lead in any set, allowing Lynn to hang around throughout most of the contest.
In the Lions’ only win in Set 2, senior Sami Vierk dominated on offense and Saint Leo never trailed.
Vierk finished the match with 15 kills. Her teammate, Lauren Campbell put down 12.
While offense was a nonissue, the defense was anemic despite Meghan Donovan’s three blocked shots. Only one other block was recorded for the Lions in the match.
“I think that will haunt us later on,” Cibrone said. “Our defense is really bad, and I felt like (Lynn) outhustled us, and that’s something we can control with our effort.”
The Lions will look for their first win in conference play Sept. 28 when they travel to Eckerd College. The match starts at 7 p.m.
