Saint Leo, Florida-The 2023 season opener for the defending SIAC East Division champions did not go the way they had envisioned as Edward Waters fell in straight sets to Saint Leo in a non-conference road matchup to open the season on Friday afternoon.

The Lady Tigers (0-1, 0-0 SIAC) could not withstand key runs from Saint Leo (1-0, 0-0 Sunshine State) in the first two sets, falling 25-17 & 25-15 respectively. The Purple & Orange showed some resolve in the third set and pushed the homestanding Lions throughout. Unfortunately it was too little, too late for EWU as Saint Leo took the set 25-21 to earn a sweep of Edward Waters.

For the match Edward Waters hit .169, compared to Saint Leo's .246. The Lions racked up 50 kills to just 22 for the Lady Tigers, including five service aces for SLU, dished out 38 assists to EWU's 20, and had a 44-35 advantage in digs. 

Reigning SIAC Player of the Year Fatima Ramirez led Edward Waters with eight kills, Naomy Vergez Varona finished with six, and Victoria McCoy finished with four. Newcomer Damari Johnson led the Lady Tigers with three blocks, reigning SIAC Setter of the Year Mataiya Barber dished out 17 assists, and Vergez Varona led EWU with 10 digs.

Edward Waters will have their home opener on Tuesday, September 5th for a 5:00pm first serve against Warner University in another non-conference affair.

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