Lee Lady Flames Fall To No. 22 West Florida
Saturday, October 28, 2017
- by Carman Lastoria
Micaela McMichen awaits a serve in Saturday’s match with the Argonauts
The No. 22 West Florida Argonauts flexed its muscles and showcased why it is currently undefeated in Gulf South Conference play on Saturday in topping the Lee volleyball team, 3-0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-17) from Walker Arena.
The Lady Flames couldn't find an answer for the explosive Argonauts from the start as West Florida jumped out to a 10-1 lead in the opening set and never looked back to claim the straight set victory.
Ellisia Kimble and Brooke Wilsman led the Lady Flames with five kills each while Silvia Sartori recorded just four slams, her fewest this season. Sadie Johnson delivered 10 assists while Alex Reuter (3 blocks) and Makayla Beebe (18 digs) paced the defensive effort.
West Florida got 14 kills from Rachel Neblett and 13 from Jordyn Poppen. Nadine Williams chipped in nine slams and three aces while setter Monique St. Cyr had 39 assists, 14 digs and a pair of aces.
As a team the Lady Flames hit well below their season average (.210) at .094. The Argonauts hit .380 as a club and tallied 52 kills to just 11 errors.
"West Florida is a really strong team and they are so good at exposing your weakness and we didn't adjust. I think we played too tight and were a little anxious out there in a way I haven't seen our team play in a long time," said head coach Andrea Hudson. "We need to regroup and get back to playing our game and play the way I know we are capable and if we do hopefully we can come away with a win on Tuesday."
The Argonauts improve to 22-6 overall and are a perfect 12-0 in the GSC. West Florida has won 18 straight conference contests dating back to last October's loss to the Lady Flames.
Lee (16-7, 7-4) will look to get back on track on Tuesday as it heads down to Rome, Ga. for a Halloween clash with rival Shorter at7 p.m.
The Lady Flames will return home on Friday for their annual Volley For A Cure match to benefit the Mary Ellen Locher Foundation. Opening serve for the always exciting evening is set for 7 p.m. against West Georgia.