The Lee volleyball team made it six straight victories as it defeated two top 10 NCAA Division III schools in Juniata College (3-1) and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges (3-0) at the Emory Invitational on Saturday afternoon.
After dropping their opening match of the season the Lady Flames (6-1) have rattled off six straight non-conference victories, all those coming on the road or at a neutral site.
Lee will open Gulf South Conference play on the road with a visit to North Alabama on Tuesday and weekend set in Memphis to with Union and Christian Brothers.
Playing two top D3 schools back to back was probably not a great idea, however the girls really stepped up today," said head coach Andrea Hudson who now has 797 career victories.
"They followed the game plan and executed really well. Each player contributed at just the right time."
LEE 3 JUNIATA 1
After dropping the first set the Lady Flames took control and won the final three sets to roll past NCAA D3 No. 6 Juniata College in their opening match on Saturday. (18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-17)
Silvia Sartori did a little bit of everything to guide Lee to victory. The all-conference outside hitter registered 12 kills, six aces and had 12 digs.
Sadie Johnson and Kristi Farley split time at the setter position. Johnson had 18 assists while Farley added 16.
Bailey Kress added nine slams and Alex Reuter pitched in eight to finish of the Eagles.
Marybeth Weihbrect had nine kills and Victoria Taylor added eight. Alyssa Tavera had a double-double with 18 digs and 13 assists.
LEE 3 CMSC 0
The Lady Flames ended the day with a 3-0 blanking of NCAA D3 No. 8 Claremont Mudd-Scripps Colleges. CMSC are now 7-4 on the season.
Sartori slammed home 15 kills and had 12 digs to lead the way for Lee. Reuter tallied nine slams and had three blocks.
Hudson's ladies pulled away late scoring the final two points to win 25-22 in set one. Lee dominated set two 25-13 and gave up just six kills and -.057 hitting percentage.
CMSC was up 23-21 in the final set before the Lady Flames stuck for the final four points to seal the sweep.
Makayla Beebe 25 digs and added a pair of aces. Johnson set things in motion with 19 assists.
The Athenas were led by Margaux Arnston with nine kills and Crystal Anderson had eight. Clara Madsen had 15 assists while Mikena Werner led the defensive effort with 23.