MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.- The Ave Maria University volleyball team had their chances Saturday afternoon, but dropped a three-set decision to the Lions of Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. All three sets were decided by the minimum two points, but it was Florida Memorial that emerged victorious in all three frames, winning 25-23, 28-26, 26-24.

Ave Maria had a chance to take the first set, holding a 20-19 lead after a back-and-forth opening frame. Both teams had led by as many as three points, but a 4-0 run by AMU had given the Gyrenes the lead. Florida Memorial then won five of the next seven points to set up set point, leading 24-22. An Elle Malczewski kill denied FMU's first opportunity, but the Lions then put the set away on a kill, winning 25-23.

Florida Memorial seemed to be in full control of the second set, racing out to a 9-1 lead. Even trailing 20-14, the Gyrenes found a way to rally, going on a 10-3 run to have a set point up 24-23. The Gyrenes would have two chances to win the set at 24-23 and 25-24, but were denied on both occasions. The Lions would win four of the set's last five points to claim a 28-26 victory, going up 2-0.

The Lions led for much of the third set, but the Gyrenes were able to hang around. Ave Maria tried to force a third set by fighting off back-to-back match points from the Lions at 24-22 and 24-23, but an AMU service error, followed by an FMU service ace, sealed the match for the host Lions.

Alayna Metherd was a standout for the Gyrenes in the losing effort, as the junior recorded her first career double-double with 12 digs and 12 kills, both team-highs. Reina Thomas handled setting duties for the Gyrenes, and just missed out on her own double-double with 15 assists and eight digs. Also in double figures in digs for Ave Maria were Elle Malczewski (12) and Anna Howard (10).

The road forward does not get any easier for the Gyrenes, who will now face the top-seeded St. Thomas University Bobcats Wednesday night at Donahue Gym. There are Sun Conference implications at play, as St. Thomas will clinch the conference regular season title with a win and a Southeastern loss to Warner, while the Gyrenes will clinch a tournament berth with a win or a Warner loss to Southeastern. Opening serve from Donahue Gym is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.