HIALEAH, Fla. – The Ave Maria volleyball team hit the road on Thursday night, falling to the Conquistadors of Florida National in three sets. AMU is now 3-4 on the season as they prepare for their home opener on Saturday against Webber International at 2 p.m.
 
Lexy Smith led the Blue and Green with seven kills and two solo blocks. Jessica Schein tallied 14 digs while Lauren Ruby added 22 assists.
 
Florida National jumped out to an early lead in the first set but the Lady Gyrenes were able to chip away at the lead and eventually tie the game midway through the set. AMU took its first lead of the set at 18-7 on a kill b Hannah Wurster. With Ave Maria leading 19-18, Florida National scored seven straight points to win the set 25-19.
 
The Conquistadors built a small cushion early in the second set and were able to extend that lead to four, 15-11, midway through the set. A couple quick runs gave Florida National the set 25-17.
 
Ave Maria came out firing in the third set and won seven of ten points to take an 8-6 lead early in the set. After the teams exchanged points, the Lady Gyrenes reeled off four straight to break a 14-14 tie. With AMU leading by two, 23-21, Florida National won five of the last six points to take the set 26-24.
 
Ave Maria returns to action on Saturday when they host Webber International in AMU's home opener.