MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — No. 4 Barry University (21-4, 14-4 SSC) defeated the Florida Southern College volleyball team (12-14, 6-12 SSC) 3-0 on Saturday at the Health & Sports Center, with set scores of 25-23, 25-19, 25-20.
Florida Southern began the first set with a slow start, falling behind 5-0 as the Buccaneers capitalized on two early kills from Sofya Sinkova. However, a service ace by freshman
Drew Page and a kill by freshman
Whitney Mall helped the Mocs narrow the gap to 5-2. Midway through the set, senior
Morgan Word and freshman
Chloe Moreland delivered key kills, contributing to a stretch that brought the score to 7-5 in favor of Barry.
As the set progressed, FSC fought to stay close, with junior
Catherine Sweeney and Page adding essential points. Despite trailing 21-12, the Moccasins mounted a significant rally, with Moreland and Page leading a 9-1 run that brought the score to 22-21. The teams exchanged points in a tense finish, with Moreland's kill closing the gap to 24-23. Ultimately, Barry secured the final point, closing the set at 25-23.
In the second set, the Mocs' Page initiated a steady start with a kill assisted by freshman
Brielle Mullen, establishing an early presence. The team then experienced a back-and-forth exchange with Barry, highlighted by junior
Elizabeth McDonald's kill and a defensive block by Mall and Sweeney. Despite multiple service errors committed by the Bucs, FSC struggled to maintain momentum as Barry capitalized on a series of attacking errors.
As the set progressed, Florida Southern managed to close the gap with Page and Word contributing significant kills. However, Barry's consistent scoring runs, driven by Valeriya Kozlova and Ivana Zujovic, ultimately widened the margin. The set concluded with Barry taking the set 25-19, despite a late rally attempt by FSC.
FSC initiated the third set with a strong start, securing the first three points through effective kills by Page, McDonald, and Sweeney, all assisted by Mullen. The team maintained this early momentum, leading 4-1 before Barry responded to narrow the gap. Moreland and Page contributed important kills that kept the score close, although Barry managed to even the score at 9-9.
The teams exchanged leads throughout the middle of the set, with FSC benefiting from key plays by Moreland and McDonald. McDonald's kill, assisted by Mullen, and a service ace by junior
Tori Borton helped the Mocs regain a slight edge at 12-11. As the contest continued, Page and Mall delivered crucial points, keeping FSC in contention.
However, the Bucs capitalized on a series of service aces and a block to pull ahead with a decisive 25-20 victory. Barry's late run included key plays from Sinkova and Zujovic, ultimately closing the set and securing the win.
Moreland led the way for the Mocs, recording 11 kills on 22 attempts, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Page added 10 kills while also posting nine digs, showcasing her all-around capabilities. Mullen facilitated the attack with 16 assists, setting up her teammates effectively throughout the match. Borton also played a key role in facilitating the offense, collecting 13 assists and securing seven digs.
Sinkova led the Buccaneers with 10 kills on 19 attempts, achieving a .368 hitting percentage. She also contributed six digs and three block assists, accumulating a total of 12.5 points. Francesca Good made a significant impact defensively with eight total blocks, including one solo, adding 8.5 points to her team's efforts. Zujovic was a key offensive contributor with eight kills on a .500 hitting percentage, while also adding three block assists and 10.5 points. Varvara Osychenko supported her team with seven kills, a .316 hitting percentage, and four block assists, totaling nine points. Thalia Iglesias provided critical playmaking with 16 assists and one service ace.
Looking ahead, Florida Southern will face Embry-Riddle on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at George W. Jenkins Field House in Lakeland, Florida.
