The Santa Fe Saints (0-1) fought back from a 2-1 deficit on Wednesday night in their season opener against Pasco Hernando, but a late charge by the Conquistadors in the fifth set led to a PHSC victory, their first in three tries in Gainesville.
The Conquistadors (1-0) won the first, third, and fifth sets with the Saints taking two and four.
The two teams battled in front of a large opening night crowd, thrilling the fans with a 33-31 fourth set that players from both teams make set saving plays. In the end, Pasco Hernando escaped with a victory, doing just enough for a 15-12 fifth set win.
SF sophomore outside hitter Nadine Williams led the way for the Saints with 16 kills and 27 digs, Sheyanne Sullivan had 13 kills and 20 digs, Sterling Williamson had 18 kills, and Meraiah Hill finished with five blocks.
The Saints will play again at home starting on Friday, August 26 in the Santa Fe Classic presented by Campus USA at 7 p.m. against State College of Florida.
For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com.