The Ave Maria University volleyball team toppled Florida Memorial University on Saturday afternoon, claiming a 25-12, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22 victory over the Lions.The Gyrenes honored their eight graduating seniors during the match, which saw Ave Maria claim their fourth conference win of the season.
 
Ave Maria was dominant in the first set, logging 14 kills with only one attack error. The Gyrenes jumped out to a 7-1 lead, and never saw the advantage dip below four points. The first set included a 6-0 run to close the action. Lexy Smith and Hannah Wurster combined for nine of the 14 kills, with neither senior committing an error.
 
Florida Memorial battled back to even the match in the second set. After recording only five kills and nine errors in the opening frame, the Lions had 14 kills in the second. Ave Maria rallied from an early
7-2 deficit to take a 12-11 lead, but FMU ended the set on a 14-7 run to claim the second set.
 
The third set was the closest of the day. Ave Maria had another strong start, racing out to a 7-1 lead. For the majority of the set, AMU held a slim lead, but the Lions took a 22-21 advantage in the closing moments. With the set tied at 23, Smith recorded a kill and the Gyrenes made a handful of spectacular defensive plays to win the third set.
 
Saturday's final set was tight throughout, as neither team claimed a lead of greater than six points. Florida Memorial again took a late lead, this time holding an 18-17 edge. Ave Maria responded with four straight points, including an ace from Monique Rivers. The Gyrenes held on to that lead, finishing the match on Smith's 20th kill.
 
On Senior Day, Smith's 20 kills proved to be the game-high. Smith also had four blocks in the victory. She was joined on the attack by fellow senior by Hannah Wurster, who had 11 kills without an error. Lauren Ruby had 35 assists and eight digs, and senior Lexie Andric had 11 digs to go with seven kills.
 
Florida Memorial was led by Raquel Laing, who had 15 kills and seven digs. Rebecca Garcia logged a game-high 23 digs for the visiting Lions.
 
The Gyrenes play their final home game of the 2016 season on Tuesday night, hosting the Keiser University Seahawks. Ave Maria then concludes the season with road games on Wednesday and Saturday.