Lightning's Serves Too Hot to Handle for Panthers in 3-0 Win

March 9, 2012

Box Score

BRONX, N.Y. - Brian Francisco's 10 service aces led the way as the Lightning posted a season-high 22 in defeating the visiting SUNY Purchase Panthers 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-17) on Friday night at the APEX to improve to 10-6 on the season.

Lehman had three other players – Luis Colon (4), Manuel Bonilla (3) and Miguel Gallardo (3) – register at least three aces. Francisco also tied a team-high with nine kills, which was matched by Bonilla.

Colon once again stepped in for Gallardo at the setter position and collected 20 assists.

Francisco demoralized the Panthers from the service line early in the first set with the Lightning leading 10-9. From that point on the Lehman junior proceeded to fire off eight aces in nine attempts, including five straight at one juncture, to help give the hosts a 19-9 advantage. Purchase would get as close as 23-19 before being put down 25-19.

The Panthers prevented the Lightning from jumping out to the big advantage it had in the first, but could not sustain any rallies to make it meaningful. Francisco slammed five kills, including the set clincher.

Gallardo joined the action in time for the third set and made his presence felt with two kills and two service aces as the Lightning capped the win 25-17.

Lehman returns to action immediately with a 1 p.m. match on Saturday afternoon against visiting St. Joseph's (BK).

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