Battling right down to the final point, the Lee University volleyball team dropped a pair of hard-fought, five-set matches on Saturday in the Flame Invitational that was staged at Paul Dana Walker Arena. Heading into the Lee Invitational next weekend, the Lady Flames stand at 5-3. Lincoln Memorial, which defeated Lee in the second match on Saturday, improved to 6-2.
Arkansas Tech 3, Lee 2
17-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 15-7
The Lady Flames got off to a quick start in the first set only to see the visitors from Russellville, Ark.
battle back and win the second game. Lee grabbed control of the third set, but back came the visitors to even things up in the fourth set and then dominated the Lady Flames in the short fifth set to claim the victory.
Carmen Perez had 17 kills in the loss for the Lady Flames while freshman Sara Palumbo continued her fine play with 13 kills and another freshman Payton Danley countered with nine kills and seven blocks. Berra Soyler dished off 38 assists while Perez had a double-double with 17 digs. Izzy Denton went to the floor for 23 digs and Palumbo also added a double-double with 16 digs. Naomi Hockless pitched in with seven kills and seven blocks.
For Arkansas Tech, Henley Hooks was outstanding with 24 kills and Emma Kiser delivered 49 assists.
Lincoln Memorial 3, Lee 2
18-25, 25-19, 25-11, 20-25, 15-13
The Lady Flames had solid play at the net in the heart-breaking loss to the Splitters in the final match of the Invitational. Palumbo finished strong with 15 kills and a hitting mark of .333. She also had a double-double with 11 digs. Perez continued to show her athletic ability with another double-double, 13 kills, 11 digs and three aces. Danley countered early in the match and also finished with 13 kills.
Soyler continued to be the assist leader with 25, but Madison Dahl contributed 21 assists while Denton led Lee with 18 digs. Grace Mazzocca continued to battle back from a leg injury and produced six kills and three blocks while Hocklesschipped in with five blocks and a pair of aces.
Grad student Kristen Moehring was there when her team needed her most. She had 24 kills, including the game-winner. Gracen Kilma countered with 12 kills. Lauren Pickett delivered 53 assists and Lauren Jacob was the dig leader with 18.
Coach Christa Fabre’s thoughts:
“This team played 19 sets in two days and never quit. I think it is a great thing that this new, young team was able to experience adversity like this so early in the season.
“There is a lot to love about this group and the fight they have shown.”