BABSON PARK, Fla. – Warner University Women's Volleyball battled Sun Conference and Crooked Lake rival Webber International University in a hard-fought four-set matchup Wednesday night at the Sabbagh Athletic Center. Despite taking the opening set, the Royals ultimately fell to the Warriors, 3-1, by scores of 27-25, 23-25, 16-25 and 12-25.
Warner came out strong in the opening set, battling through a tightly contested frame before securing a 27-25 victory. The Royals and Warriors traded momentum throughout the set, with Warner ultimately capitalizing on its opportunities late to take an early 1-0 lead.
The second set featured another back-and-forth battle as both teams continued to fight for control. Webber International edged Warner, 25-23, to even the match at one set apiece heading into the intermission.
The Warriors carried that momentum into the third set, taking a 25-16 decision to move ahead 2-1. Warner continued to battle in the fourth set, but Webber International closed out the match with a 25-12 victory.
Julia De Jesus led the Royals offensively, recording a team-high 13 kills while adding 14 digs and an ace. Araya Garrison provided a strong presence at the net with five kills and a team-best six blocks, while Antonia Amer and Siarah Bencosme each contributed six kills.
Imar Laboy orchestrated the Warner offense with 17 assists, while Grace Licier added 14 assists. Leonelis Lopez and De Jesus paced the defensive effort with 14 digs apiece.
Match Leaders
The Royals finished the match with 36 kills, 36 assists, five service aces and 81 digs. Warner's defensive effort at the net produced 15 total blocks, led by Garrison's six.
Up Next
Warner Women's Volleyball returns home for another Sun Conference matchup, hosting No. 21 St. Thomas University on Saturday, September 12, at 2 p.m. The Royals will look to defend home court against the nationally ranked Bobcats at the Turner Athletic Center.
#TogetherAsOne | #GodBlessGoRoyals