LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire volleyball team is looking to extend their six-game win-streak this week when they host St. Francis on Tuesday, travel to Webber on Wednesday, and return home to host St. Thomas on Saturday.
Last week saw the Fire first beat then-conference leader Florida Memorial on the road 3-1, sweep William Carey at home on Friday, then edge Florida Memorial at home again 3-2 on Saturday.
Southeastern recorded 28 blocks against Florida Memorial in Saturday's contest, holding them to a hitting percentage of just .206. The Fire's presence at the net led to 27 attacking errors by the Lions. Senior Emily Kalmink was key for the Fire to win their second match against the Lions as she recorded 13 kills and 9 blocks in the win.
St. Francis comes into Tuesday's match with a 13-10 record, winning seven of their last ten. Lauren Stefanksi ranks 3rd in Division I in hitting percentage (.379) and 14th in total blocks (95). Additionally, Katie Szakacs is ranked 22nd in Division I with 449 total digs.
The Fire then take on a Webber team that enters play Wednesday on a losing skid, dropping their last four games. Kalameli Matautia leads the Warriors in kills with 157. The Fire swept Webber in their previous matchup this year. In that contest, Emily Kalmink recorded 11 kills and three blocks while Emily Boehlein added seven kills and four blocks of her own.
St. Thomas travels to Lakeland having just one win in their last six games. Tyran Chenault leads them defensively as she ranks 39th in Division I in blocks per game with 1.05. St. Thomas defeated Southeastern earlier this year in five sets. The Fire lost despite double-digit kill efforts from Taylor Gregory, Emily Kalmink, and Emily Boehlein. Arianna Bolinger led the way for St. Thomas as she tallied 24 kills in the win.
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