Sept. 19, 2008

Final Stats

LAKELAND, Fla. - The #5-ranked Lady Buffs (11-2, 0-0 LSC) defeated #7-ranked Florida Southern (10-3), 3-1, in an exciting fight to the finish with scores of 23-25, 25-20, 25-21, and 25-13. This marks the first time since 2002 that the Lady Buffs have won a true road match against another top 10-ranked opponent.

"We lost the first game with a lot of unforced errors, but we fought through it and won an emotional second game," said head coach Tony Graystone. "We played amazing defense and did a really nice job blocking; and when the block wasn't there, the back row picked it up. The strengths of Florida Southern are our strengths. We took them out of their game and won the emotional points."

Junior Melissa Harper put up four block solos and two assisted blocks, picking up six of the 10 blocks put up by the Lady Buffs. Harper also tallied nine kills. Junior Laura Prinsen led the team with 15 kills and also contributed 13 digs. Junior Katie Rickwartz had 33 assists and two service aces to help with the team's success.

The Lady Buffs face two more tough opponents in Florida on Saturday. They will take on Saint Leo (12-2) at 12:00 p.m., and then finish with Eckerd College (9-3) at 6:00 p.m.