The Lady Flames were set to face the winner of the other semifinal match, between Spring Hill College and Shorter University, Saturday evening for the title.
The Lady Flames cruised through the first two sets, winning each one 25-12. They met some resistance in the third set by the Lady Warriors, but still prevailed 25-21 in the final set.
The Lee ladies move to 34-0 on the season, while Southern Wesleyan falls to 20-13. This is the third match between the two squads this year, with Lee winning all three, including their Volley for a Cure match.
It was a balanced attack for the Lady Flames, as four different players tied for the team lead in kills. Val Caboclo, Stephanie Todd, Arlene Ferreira and Kayla Carlisle all pitched in nine kills. Irene Ojukwu added eight, and Christa Hutchison contributed seven.
Ferreira and Todd led the way defensively, earning 18 and 17 digs, respectively. Senior Lindsay Shein also earned double-digit digs, with 12. As usual, Kelsey Leffew and Gretchen Higdon shared the setting responsibility, with Leffew earning 27 assists, and Higdon passing successfully 18 times.
Lee passed their first test of the tournament with flying colors in Friday’s opening round.
Faulkner University (Montgomery, Ala.) was no match for the Lady Flames. After shaking off a slow start in the first set, coach Andrea Hudson's club zipped to a 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-13) victory.
Lee completely overpowered the Eagles at the net, coming away with 20 blocks. Caboclo directed that attack with six blocks to go along with her six kills. Carlisle fought back from an early-week ankle sprain to record four blocks. The senior middle hitter was also impressive with nine kills and a .471 hitting percentage.
With coach Hudson rotating her forces, Ferreira still had enough court time to knock down nine kills, register three blocks and add five digs. Todd stepped up with six kills, and a pair of blocks. She also slipped into back court and came up with 14 digs.
Hutchison joined the action with five kills in eight attempts. She had two blocks and one ace. Irene Ojukwu was not about to be denied with five kills and four blocks. The assist department was paced by Gretchen Higdon (21) and Kelsey Leffew (16).
