SLAMMING HOME a winner, Lee University’s Lauren Williams (5) drives a shot past a pair of Emmanuel defenders during Saturday’s volleyball action at Walker Arena. Lee University photo
Things started quickly for the Lee ladies, as they took the first set easily, 25-10. After a 25-14 win in the second frame, the Lady Flames labored in the final set, but were able to pull away for a 25-21 win.
Solid hitting was once again a strength for Lee, as they earned a .417 hitting percentage. Four different players hit better than 50-percent, led by a .615 mark by Marija Zelenovic. Lauren Williams was close behind, hitting .583, followed by Christa Hutchison (.556) and Irene Ojukwu (.500).
Gretchen Higdon turned in the top setting performance for the Lady Flames, earning 15. Kelsey Leffew and Courtney Wilson also split time at setter, pitching in nine and three assists, respectively.
The Lady Flames put in a team effort on the defensive end, with Sarah Smith leading the way with seven digs. Arlene Ferreira added six, with Hutchison and Williams each earning two blocks.
“It has been good to have back-to-back solid hitting games,” said Lee Assistant Coach Kevin Hudson. “But there are things we still need to fix and adjustments we need to make defensively.”
The Lee ladies will take a short time to enjoy Saturday’s win before preparing for a busy week ahead. Monday, the Lady Flames host Emory University for a non-conference showdown at 7 p.m.
Following the Emory match, Lee travels to Southern Wesleyan University, Tuesday, before heading to the SCAD Invitational, Friday. The Invitational will feature matchups with two of the nation’s top teams, No.12 Taylor University at 11 a.m., and No.2 Embry-Riddle at 5 p.m. The week concludes with a Saturday match at Brewton-Parker College.
“We have a big week ahead of us,” added Hudson. “Emory will be a big challenge, they will require us to be consistent.”
“After Emory, with Southern Wesleyan on the road, and two top-12 teams right after, we have a lot of big matches coming up.”
