The Shepherd Rams showcased why they are off to a 12-0 start the season as they defeated the Lee volleyball team, 3-0 to wrap up the Lee Invitational on Saturday afternoon from Walker Arena.
All three sets were closely contested at 25-21, 25-20 and 25-21. The Rams held off a late charge by the Lady Flames in set three to complete the sweep. Lee trailed 18-11 before scoring five straight points to cut the lead to 18-16, forcing a Rams' timeout. From there however Shepherd responded with a 7-4 run and fittingly enough Cambreia Hill delivered the final of her tournament-high 22 kills to seal the win.
Hill hit a sizzling .571 in the match from her outside hitter position to lead the West Virginia club. As a team the Rams hit .383 and with 53 kills and 12 attack errors. Lee hit .240 and were guilty of just 10 attack errors.Â
The Lady Flames (6-4) were led by Bailey Kress and Quinne Daoust with eights kills while Abby Stroh added seven. Hanna Matthews set things up with 26 assists.
"We knew we were playing a great team. They have an outside hitter (Hill) who is one of the best players I've seen in a long time and she played a tremendous match today," said Lee head coach Andrea Hudson. "We love to play great competition and I wish we would have responded a little better but overall it was a good challenge."
Lee will get back to work on Tuesday as it opens up Gulf South Conference play against a much-improved West Georgia club. First serve is set for 6 p.m. in Walker Arena.Â
"I believe the girls have gradually gotten better at a lot things. We know West Georgia is better and they play a little different style than last year. It will be tough but I'm excited to get conference play going and for our freshman to experience that environment," concluded Hudson.
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