MIAMI SHORES, FL – The St. Thomas University (11-19, 7-7 in The Sun Conference) volleyball team battled the Barry University Buccaneers (15-10) tough in a close match that went the distance losing 2-3. (20-25, 16-25, 28-26, 25-22, 10-15). The Reigning Conference Leader in kills per set Adriana Montilla saw a new career high with 26 kills who also ranks 25th in the nation in kills per set along with Nicole Barraza who recorded 14 kills led the Bobcat attack accounting for 40 of the team's 57 kills during the match.
The match began slow for the Bobcats as they lost the first two games of the match. In both games the Bobcats remained competitive but lost control of the games once the Bucs scored their 20th point.
Game three of the match showcased the toughness and determination the Bobcats are capable of. The lead went back and forth like an exciting volley. The Bobcats would gain control of the game with the help of clutch play from Barraza. She scored the 25th point for the Bobcats with a timely kill and served up an ace for the Bobca's 27th point. The game ended on a Buccaneer attacking error.
A strong defensive front was on display for the Bobcats in game four. The play was led by Julianne Rivera she had a team high 20 digs. A performance good enough to inspire the rest of her teammates, three other Bobcats Lauren Wilson, Fernanda Neves, and Montilla ended the match with double digit digs. The strong defense in game four helped the Bobcats be the team to take control after scoring their 20th point.
In the final game the Bucs came out the gate racking up kills jumping out to a 4-0 lead which the Bobcats would never recover from. The Bobcats will play again November 14 in the Sun Conference Championship Tournament.
