In what coach Andrea Hudson described as the best win of her coaching career, the Lee University volleyball team battled from two games back to defeat determined Spring Hill College 3-2 in the final round of the Region XIII Tournament.

"I didn't know if we could do it or not," confessed Hudson after watching her Lady Flames post the incredible comeback. "Our girls just refused to quit and we had a lot of players step up in those final three games to help give us the victory."
Spring Hill, which gave Lee a struggle on Friday night, came back with plenty of fire on Saturday. They captured the first game 30-7 and struck fear in the hearts of the Lee faithful in the second game by posting a 30-24 margin.

Hudson regrouped her troops and they responded in the third and fourth games with 30-24 and 30-23 victories. The Lady Flames completely turned the tables on Spring Hill in the fifth game by winning 15-12 and earning a third straight trip to the NAIA National Tournament in San Diego.

Junior Bruna Langner drew all types of praise from Hudson. "She just took over in the last three games and refused to let us loose," commented the coach. Langner finished with 19 kills. She had three blocks and nine blocking assists. Just for good measure, Bruna also had a pair of digs and one assist.

The always strong Lee front line saw senior Daisy Varbanova step up with 16 kills, three assists, two service aces and 11 digs. Ligia Zobolli had 11 kills, two service aces, 12 digs, one block and four blocking assists.

The totals always mount up in a five game match. Katie Thornton took advantage of the situation to record 42 assists and also came up with four digs and one ace. Maybe her most important stat was four blocking assists.

The Lee defense saw Courtney Williams pave the way with 32 digs. She also had an assist and one service ace. Lorean Yates, who has seen considerable playing time of late, registered 11 digs. The senior had three assists and two aces. Melissa Fain seeing extra playing time with Maggie Kjessel sidelined with a knee injury, added eight kills in the victory. She also came away with one dig.

"Spring Hill had four quality seniors and they played with tremendous heart," said Hudson. "They really put a lot of pressure on our girls, but we showed plenty of character in refusing to quit."

Betsy Housh and Ashleigh Posner gave Spring Hill a strong front court attack. Both had 18 kills. Kristen Phillips was not far behind with 15 kills and Tess Jezik followed with 11 kills. Lindsay Schmidt totaled 36 assists and Carley Whitfield dished off 24. In the dig department, Kelly Hargett posted 27, while Posner kept 23 shots alive and Phillips was right there with 21 digs.

The Lady Flames are 27-10 on the year and they will wait to see who they draw in pool play, which begins in San Diego after Thanksgiving. Spring Hill finishes an outstanding season with a 21-11 mark.