TAMPA, FL – The Emmanuel Women's Volleyball team finished tournament play this evening against Lander University. It was a competitive matchup from the start with both teams making key plays, but the Bearcats came out on top, 25-23, 25-20, 25-16. With the loss, the Li fall to 0-3 on the season. 

The teams traded points to start the first set, with kills by Ellie Jackson and Broke Lee. The Bearcats pulled ahead late in the set, 19-15 but the Lions responded to take the lead, 21-20 after an ace by Sami Gambill and kill by Ellie Jackson. The teams traded points and the lead again, until late when the Bearcats scored the final two points to take the set, 25-23. 

The second set was as competitive as the first, with both teams making plays early and often. Lander pulled away midway through the set 10-5 but the Lions rallied with kills by Natalie Wilson, Pritchard and Brooke Lee, along with an ace by Isabel Miller to pull within a point of the lead, 12-11 Lander. The Bearcats pulled away again late in the set, finishing strong to win it 25-20. 

The Lions responded well in the 3^rd set, taking an early lead 7-4 on kills by Brooke Lee, Ellie Jackson and Marusa Pesut, along with an ace by Pesut. The Bearcats rallied to tie the set at 8-8 and continued on a run to take a 13-10 lead. Although the Lions kept the set close, getting within two points of the lead late, the Bearcats finished strong to earn the set 3 win, 25-16 and take the game 3-0. 

Overall, the Lions had 31 kills, 4 aces, 55 digs, and 5 blocks. 

Ellie Jackson led the way with 14 kills and 12 digs, with Asia Queen contributing 15 digs. Marusa Pesut had 25 assists on the night with Cailin Pirtchard leading the Lions in blocks with 3.0. 

The Lions will be back in action on Thursday as they host Middle Georgia State University at the Shaw Athletic Center at 3PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.