Inspired by a vocal Walker Arena crowd and seeking to bounce back from a Friday evening loss at West Georgia, the Lee volleyball defeated West Alabama in three hard-fought sets on Saturday afternoon, 25-23, 25-21, 27-25.
 
"Today our girls were ready to win," explained coach Andrea Hudson after her club improved to 5-7 overall and 2-5 against Gulf South Conference competition. "Last night was a tough loss and I don't think we went in with the right mindset against West Georgia. We may have taken some things for granted. I was really proud of our effort today."
 
Nothing came easy for the Lady Flames, but coach Hudson noted that her squad really felt the energy of the crowd today, and added, "It was great to be back home after a long road trip."
 
The up-front play was led by Silvia Sartori (13 kills) and Brooke Wilsman (10 kills). Sartori also had nine digs and a pair of service aces. However, one of the key plays of the game came midway of the final set when Sartori was flat on her back but still able to return a deflection for a point for the Lady Flames. Blaire Beamer also had seven kills.
 
"I've been hard on Silvia and Brooke lately and that's because I have very high expectations for them," stressed the Lee coach. "I was really proud of them today for the way they responded and played."
 
Sadie Johnson produced a double-double with 19 assists and 10 digs, while Kristi Farley dished off 17 assists to go along with her six digs. MaKayla Beebe went to the Sport Court floor for 20 digs.
 
The Lee defense held the Tigers to only 33 kills. Briana Standifer registered nine kills and Lanesha Johnson followed with eight and 14 digs. Taylor Parrish recorded 26 assists. Abby Ames had 18 digs. The loss dropped West Alabama to 10-6 overall and 3-4 in GSC.
 
The Lady Flames hit the road again for a Tuesday night match in Jackson, Tenn. against Union University. The Bulldogs upset 22-ranked West Florida on Saturday afternoon. Lee will return home to host arch rival Shorter University on Thursday at 7 p.m.