TAMPA, Fla. — The 19th-ranked University of West Florida (7-2) escaped (RV) Florida Southern College volleyball (5-2) in a four-set match at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center on the campus of the University of Tampa, winning 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 25-20.
The first set began with a strong start from FSC, as freshmen
Layla Visser and
Whitney Mall combined for a block that set the tone early with Florida Southern College taking a quick 2-0 lead. West Florida answered back, capitalizing on errors to surge ahead, but the Mocs fought back with senior
Morgan Word and sophomore
Bali Coles delivering crucial kills to keep the score tight. As the set progressed, both teams exchanged leads, with Visser contributing a service ace to level the score at 14-14, but despite a late push from FSC, the Argonauts edged the set 25-23, with Emily Breazeale closing it out with a decisive kill.
The second set opened with a seesaw battle, as both teams exchanged points early on. Florida Southern briefly seized momentum with a kill from Word, leveling the score at 5-5. Despite strong efforts from Mall and sophomore
Lindsay Piktel, who each contributed key kills, West Florida capitalized on a mid-set surge to pull ahead. The Argos extended their lead with a late 4-0 run, concluding the set at 25-20.
The third set began with a steady performance from freshman
Brielle Mullen, who contributed significantly with multiple assists, including a critical connection with Coles for a kill that brought the score even at 8-8. FSC maintained resilience throughout the set, with Coles recording a total of five kills and Mall and Visser each delivering crucial points late in the set. As West Florida led 23-22, the Moccasins executed a strong closing run, with Mall and Visser securing the final two points to clinch the set 25-23.
The fourth set opened with competitive play as UWF took an early lead. Despite the initial challenge, Florida Southern rallied with contributions from Word, who secured a kill, and Coles, who added two kills to help close the gap. Freshman
Chloe Moreland and Piktel also provided key blocks and points, allowing the Mocs to narrow the margin to 21-16. However, the Argos capitalized on a series of successful attacks, ultimately securing the set 25-20.
Word contributed six kills and one ace, adding two block assists to her performance. Coles led the team with 13 kills and recorded eight digs, while also serving one ace. Piktel added eight kills and posted one solo block in her efforts. Sophomore
Nako Sasaki highlighted the defensive effort with 15 digs across four games.
UWF showcased strong performances from several key players. Gabi Moulton led the setting efforts with 48 assists over four games, playing a crucial role in the team's offensive strategy. Madalyn Mire was instrumental defensively, recording 21 digs, making her a standout in the back row. Ana Colon contributed significantly as well, adding 16 digs to her name while also tallying 9 kills, providing a balanced effort in both attack and defense. Liberty McLean made a notable impact with 13 kills and a .360 hitting percentage, leading the team in offensive efficiency.
Looking ahead, FSC will face Valdosta State at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center in Tampa, Fla. The match is set for Saturday, Sept. 20, with first serve at 7 p.m.
