By Matthew Osterhouse | gargoyle@flagler.edu
The Flagler College Saints defeated the Dowling College Golden Lions in three straight sets. The Saints won their 29th straight match and move into the NCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Championship Final Four.
Flagler came out with poise in the first set. The Saints played with confidence and dominated Dowling with an aggressive attack, winning the first set 25-15. Meg Weathersby, Katie Beale and Justine Burkhardt led the attacking surge and frustrated the Golden Lions.
Dowling battled back in the second set, but Flagler pulled away late. The key point came when libero Casey Gnann had a series of spectacular digs, eventually leading to a Saints point, extending the lead to 23-13. Flagler won the set 25-16.
In a desperate move, Dowling changed their libero to start the third set. The position change did not make a difference. The Saints hit a staggering .450 hitting percentage in the third set and cruised 25-15.
The Saints played with energy through the match. The quick passing, supplied mostly by setters Olivia Snipes and Rebecca Royal, confused the Golden Lions and left big holes for the Saints hitters.
Flagler plays Friday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. (ET) in the semifinals, looking to win and advance to the national championship match.
Be the first to comment on "Saints win again, advance to Final Four"