IRVINE, Calif - Lee's volleyball team posted a 2-2 record in the Ascis/Wynham Hotel Labor Day Classic. After splitting a pair of matches on Friday, the Lady Flames came firing back to defeat No. 10 Vanguard University 3-1 early Saturday, but dropped a 3-1 battle to No. 5 Biola University later in the day.
The challenges continue for the young Lee teams on Monday against Emory University and then next weekend coach Andrea Hudson's ladies will host No. 1 Brownsville (Texas), No. 4 Columbia (Mo.) and No. 6 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) in the Lee Showcase.
The Lady Flames (5-3) were blistering hot in the first set against Biola. Paced by Paula Martins' six kills and a .667 attack percentage, Lee put a 25-20 decision on the board. However, the Eagles were not about to be shot down and won the next two sets, 25-17 and 25-13.
Coach Hudson regrouped her squad and the Lady Flames appeared well on their way toward tying the match, but Biola went on a 6-0 run, tied the thriller at 21 and went on to claim the battle with a 25-23 fourth-set win.
The Eagles (10-1) kept the ball away from Martins' side for much of the final three sets. After recording six kills in the first set, the junior totaled 14 kills and enjoyed another solid .520 hitting performance. Marija Zelenovic also had 14 slams and produced five digs. Irene Ojukwu tallied 11 kills and collected 13 digs. Camil Martinez dished off 44 assists and Libby Peigen (20) paced the Lady Flames in the dig department.
Biola got its power at the net from Amy Weststeyn (21 kills) and Christine Douglas (15 kills). Gracee Gallarda set up her teammates with 47 assists. She also walked away with 14 digs.
Lee 3, Vanguard 1
It didn't take the Lady Flames long to rebound from a three-set loss to No. 2 Concordia late Friday night. Coach Andrea Hudson's club (5-2) polished off Vanguard University (Calif) early Saturday, 3-1.
The final score is a little deceiving. Lee claimed the first two sets with ease (25-14, 25-11), then after dropping set three (22-25), the attacking Lady Flames put the match away (25-10).
After an off night at the net against Concordia, Lee came firing back, blasting away with an impressive .414 attack mark. Sophomore Marija Zelenovic and newcomer Paula Martins paced the assault. Zelenovic finished with a game-high 16 kills and nine digs. She carded a .448 hitting percentage. Martins exploded for 14 kills and six blocks. Her .667 attack percentage has to be among the tops in this talent-laden tourney. Irene Ojukwu helped out with nine kills, 10 digs and three blocks.
Camil Martinez delivered 45 assists. Her solid effort included five digs and three blocks. Libby Peigen totaled 12 digs.
