SSAC News
Mon, Nov 20, 2006 - [Volleyball]
News Photo

The Lee University volleyball team won its third consecutive NAIA Region XIII Tournament and claimed its fifth-straight NAIA National Tournament bid with a 3-0 (30-18, 30-22, 30-12) victory over Berry College on Saturday evening in Walker Arena.

Seniors Ligia Zobolli and Bruna Langner led the Lady Flames' offense with 15 and 11 kills, respectively. Zobolli also recorded 12 digs and a service ace. Langner added one block and six block assists.

"Bruna and Ligia helped the new players to understand the importance of playing in nationals," said Lee head coach Andrea Hudson. "I'm proud of the desire the girls showed tonight."

Joining Zobolli with double-digit digs were Milica Krsmanovic and Christeena Bertinetti with 10 each and defensive specialist Janel Torres with a match-high 14.

Krsmanovic also set up 13 assists to go along with Katie Thornton's 25. Thornton aided the Lady Flames on the defensive side as well with five digs and three block assists.

For the Lady Vikings, whose record falls to 35-9, Meghan Francis registered a team-high seven kills. Megan Cheatham and Ashley Weider each dished out nine assists. Weider joined Rachel Moreau and Shawn Carroll with eight digs.
Lee defeated Loyola (NewOrleans), Belhaven (Miss.) and Mobile to earn the right to face Berry in the final.  The Lady Vikings won over Shorter, Mobile and Loyola to land a spot in the final.  In fact, Loyola proved to be a tough opponent for both Lee and Berry.  The Louisiana book both Southern States Athletic Conference powers to the five-game limit before falling.

The Lady Flames will take a 31-7 record into the NAIA National Tournament. Seedings and pool allotments will be announced after 5 p.m. on Monday.