CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Coach Christa Fabre and her Lee University volleyball team will officially open the 2025 volleyball season on Friday when they travel to Greeneville, Tenn. to take part in the Tusculum Invitational. The Lady Flames will open with King University (Bristol, Tenn.) at 1 p.m. on Friday, followed by Edinboro University of Pennsylvania at 5 p.m. Lee will close out their share of the event on Saturday at 10 a.m. when it tests the host Tusculum University Pioneers.
The Lady Flames are coming off an impressive 19-16 and 11-9 GSC record in 2024. In the recent 2025 GSC Preseason Coaches Poll Lee was picked to finish third behind perennial power University of West Florida and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Sophomores Payton Danley and Sara Palumbo are members of the Preseason All-GSC Team.
King, a member of Conference Carolinas, was 11-12 overall in 2024 and 9-9 in conference action. Edinboro, a member of the rugged PSAC West, posted a 14-13 overall mark and was 5-9 against league foes. Tusculum fared well against South Atlantic Conference rivals, going 11-9, but was 13-14 facing all opponents.
King and Edinboro might have a slight advantage over the Lady Flames on Friday, both will have contests under their belts when they tangle with Lee. The Tornado will face Auburn University Montgomery at 11 a.m. before Lee at 1 p.m. The Fighting Scots will test Converse University at 9 a.m. before returning to battle the Lady Flames at 5 p.m. Lee will play only one match on Saturday against Tusculum.
Blessed with Depth
Said Coach Fabre, "We do have so much depth this season! It is a great challenge to navigate, and I am thankful. Depth allows us to do what we need to in practice while preserving our bodies for the high demand of season. We have really emphasized the importance of our "spearhead" mindset, all moving in the same direction. The depth gives us the opportunity to show what that can look like when it isn't convenient or you are not the one in the starting lineup."
Better Hitters and in the Middle
"I think we are better in every hitting position than we have been. It is great to have Sophia (Lippert) on her way back to 100%! At the pin we have several players both on the outside and right side we believe can get it done and help us take the next step. In the middle we have a height advantage we haven't had in the past but each of our middles has unique strengths that adds value to our team as a whole" explained the third-year coach.
Looking Forward to Tournament Experience
"First weekend tournament (play) is always about getting experience and working out any nerves that might be there. We have actually gotten to compete a good bit already with our trip to Nicaragua, but first countable competition always feels different. I'm hoping this weekend will help us grow in rhythm, trust and confidence," Coach Fabre allowed.
Pleased with Growth of Newcomers and Veterans
We believed Esthefany (Rabit) was going to be a big piece of what we are trying to accomplish but it has been so fun watching her compete and her overall level of play and the way she reads the opponents' offense. Olivia Reevey came in the spring last semester and her growth from the start of that semester and over the summer to now has been huge. Our strong players returning have continued to improve and have set the standard for new players. I'm excited for what our outsides will be able to accomplish and for the fact that Sophia (Lippert) is cleared and getting back so much sooner than anticipated," praised the coach.
