CLEVELAND, Tenn. – After a slow start in set one, the Lee University volleyball team won three straight sets to defeat Valdosta State University 3-1 in the opening Gulf South Conference contest of the season. Lee dominated the attack and had 13 more kills than VSU did in the win. The Flames will head to Montgomery, Ala. and take on Auburn University Montgomery tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM EST.
In the first set, VSU jumped out to a 6-1 lead and never looked back. Lee got it to within one point but never tied or led that set. The Blazers took the first set 25-20. After that, the only time VSU had a lead was on first points of sets. Lee won set two 25-16. They hung to win set three 25-23 and then ran away in set four 25-15.
Lee had 58 kills and hit .230 for the match. The only allowed VSU to hit .169. The Flames had a strong defense with 72 digs and eight blocks.
Jordyn Butler led the attack with 14 kills. She hit an incredible .520 for the match. Sophia Lippert had 10 kills and 10 digs for a double-double. Olivia Reevey and Gunny Brock each had nine kills. Brock added 12 digs.
Berra Soyler had 24 assists while Emmi Black added 20. Six different players had assists while nine had digs.
Coach Christa Fabre's Thoughts:
"We had a hard time getting our offense going in the first set but shifted our mindset and came out playing Lee volleyball in the second. Our serve receive was strong and that helped us get our hitters in rhythm and we ended with a well-balanced offense. Jordyn has been a key player for us and had another great match. Sophia's leadership was key in the first and second set shift. Strong first conference win!"
