LAKELAND, Fla. — The Florida Southern College volleyball team (10-6, 4-4 SSC) fell to eighth-ranked Lynn University (16-3, 6-3 SSC) in a tense four-set match at Jenkins Field House on Saturday, with scores of 25-23, 18-25, 19-25, 24-26. This match was not only significant for the teams but also marked Florida Southern's Annual Dig Pink match, an event dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer. FSC's service effort was highlighted by 13 aces, but it was not enough to overcome Lynn's 65 kills, as the Fighting Knights showcased why they are ranked #8.
The Moccasins opened the first set with a balanced offensive effort. freshman
Whitney Mall and junior
Elizabeth McDonald contributed early kills, while sophomore
Nako Sasaki's service ace helped Florida Southern gain a slight edge at 3-1. The home team maintained momentum through strategic plays, with freshman
Brielle Mullen assisting on several key points, including a pivotal service ace that extended the lead to 10-8.
As the set progressed, the Moccasins capitalized on Lynn's errors, widening their advantage to 16-12 with a combination of effective blocks and service aces. Freshman
Chloe Moreland's kill further solidified the lead at 19-15. Despite a late push from Lynn, highlighted by Brooke Jackson's scoring efforts, Florida Southern held firm. McDonald's final kill, assisted by Mullen, closed the set at 25-23, giving the Mocs the initial lead in the match.
Lynn quickly established momentum in the second set with a series of early points, leading 3-0. FSC responded with a kill from Mall and an impactful kill by Sasaki, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Despite efforts to stay close, including a kill from Moreland and a service ace by sophomore
Bali Coles that brought the score to 14-11, the Fighting Knights maintained control through consistent offensive execution.
The Mocs capitalized on several opponent errors and a service ace by Sasaki, cutting Lynn's lead to 16-14. Another rally saw senior
Morgan Word and Mall contributing key points, tightening the score to 18-17. However, Lynn surged ahead with a strong finish, concluding the set with a 25-18 advantage.
The third set began with Lynn gaining an early advantage, but Florida Southern countered with a kill by Mall, assisted by Mullen, leveling the score at 1-1. A key moment came when Word's kill and a service ace by Coles sparked a rally, allowing the Moccasins to tie the game at 7-7.
McDonald delivered consecutive kills, aided by junior
Tori Borton, pushing FSC ahead 10-8. Despite holding a lead at 14-10, Florida Southern faced a series of points from Lynn, who eventually tied the game at 15-15.
The Moccasins fought back with a kill from Word, but Lynn's steady offense regained control, and they closed the set with a 25-19 victory.
FSC started the fourth set with a strong push, as McDonald opened with a service ace. Coles contributed to the early momentum with a kill, and freshmen
Layla Visser and
Drew Page combined for a block, helping FSC to a 4-0 lead. The home team extended their advantage to 12-2, highlighted by two service aces from Sasaki and effective hitting from Word.
LU worked to close the gap with a series of points, narrowing the deficit to 16-15. The visitors capitalized on a string of service errors and kills from Lillia Neill and Valentina Mogg to level the score later in the set. Despite a late kill from Word to regain a slight edge, the Fighting Knights surged ahead to claim the set 26-24, closing out the set by taking advantage of attack errors from the Mocs.
Word contributed significantly with 10 kills, adding one ace and two blocks across four sets. Coles led defensively with 16 digs and added seven kills. Sasaki excelled six service aces, and recorded 18 digs. Mall posted seven kills on a .263 hitting percentage and added two blocks.
Jackson delivered a standout performance for Lynn, recording 17.5 points and leading the team with four service aces. Neill contributed significantly with 15.5 points and excelled defensively with six total blocks. Laney Wilson also made an impact with 15 points, maintaining a .409 hitting percentage and adding four blocks. Ula Gorjup was instrumental in setting up plays, amassing 47 assists and contributing 16 digs to the team's defensive efforts.
Looking ahead, the Moccasins will face top-ranked Tampa on October 21 at 7 p.m. The match will take place at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center in Tampa, Fla.
