MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The Bobcats (18-7, TSC 9-1) delivered a strong response to their first conference defeat by beating Southeastern (13-8, TSC 5-4) in four sets (25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23) Saturday afternoon at the Fernandez Family Center.  Propelled by the motivation of Senior Day for Alexis Busch, the Bobcats played with strong emotions for the defensive specialist, who was playing in her final home game.  With this victory, the Bobcats move another game closer to securing home court for the Sun Conference post-season tournament.

The Bobcats started slow, but eventually rebounded to take the first set 25-23.  In contrast to the first set, which was a much tighter contest, the Bobcats pulled away to take the second set 25-19.  However, the Fire gave themselves life when they stole the third set 25-23.  Southeastern continued to challenge the Bobcats in the final set, but St. Thomas was able to pull out a 25-23 victory, sealing the match in their favor.

It was a strong all-around effort for the Bobcats with multiple players contributing.  Sophomore Marisa Markus (13 kills, 11 digs, two assists) notched a double-double.  Samantha Garza (12 kills) and Whitney Battoe (11 kills, four digs) were also critical to the Bobcat attack, with each securing double-digit kills.  Providing additional support were Carly Durr (nine kills, two digs, one block) and Briana Willhite (seven kills).  Setting up the Bobcat attack was, once again, Dana Nowaczyk (three kills, 48 assists, nine digs).  Providing a steady dose of defense, Sydney Maynard (16 digs) was everywhere digging out a multitude of Southeastern attacks.

For their next match, the Bobcats head up to West Palm Beach for another conference battle against the Northwood Seahawks on Friday, October 31, at 7 p.m.