The stands were packed with pink and the Lee volleyball squad did not disappoint the capacity crowd, winning 3-0 over The College of Coastal Georgia in their annual "Volley For A Cure" match, Friday night at Walker Arena.
Coastal Georgia was competitive in each set but Lee, ranked ninth in the latest NAIA poll, would not be denied posting victories of 25-18, 25-19 and 25-22.
The match was the regular-season finale for the Lady Flames. The victory moves them to 24-9 overall and 13-1 in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). With the loss the Mariners fall to 12-17 overall and 5-9 in conference play.
Lee also honored their only senior on the 2012 team. Courtney Wilson, a native of Auburndale, Fla. and two-year member of the Lady Flames, helped guide her team with 20 assists while adding three digs.
Sophomore Marija Zelenovic led the way with 10 kills for Lee. Irene Ojukwu, coming off Conference Player of the Week honors, was steady with nine kills, good for a .350 attack percentage. Junior Paula Martins chipped in seven kills of her own to go along with six blocks.
Libby Peigen added 12 digs for the Lady Flames. Lauren Williams registered five blocks while Nicole Sumida and Patty Orozco struck for five kills apiece to help complete the victory.
Coastal Georgia was led by Lindsay Herman with 10 Kills and four digs. Holly Hammer set up the scoring with 13 assists for the Brunswick, Ga. based club. Maggie Bee added three service aces and six digs in the losing effort.
The "Volley For A Cure" event has continued to grow each year, and once again the proceeds raised will go to benefit the Mary Ellen Locher Foundation for breast cancer research.
The Lady Flames will be back in action Thursday in Montgomery, Ala. for the SSAC Tournament. The tournament has moved to pool play this year. Lee (13-1) in SSAC contests, is in a pool with Mobile and Emmanuel. The Lady Flames will face Mobile on Thursday at 11 a.m. (EST) and then test Emmanuel on Friday at the same time. Spring Hill (14-0) drew the No. 1 seed. Semifinal play is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Saturday and the championship match will follow at 5 p.m. All volleyball matches are being played in the Multiplex Building at the Cramton Bowl.
