TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Southern College volleyball team (6-2) defeated Valdosta State University (1-8) in a four-set match at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center on Saturday night, winning 25-9, 26-28, 25-15, 25-20.
FSC tallied 14 service aces while also capitalizing on Valdosta State's 25 attack errors.
The Mocs seized control early in the first set, with freshman
Brielle Mullen orchestrating an effective offense, including a key kill by sophomore
Lindsay Piktel at 13-2. A sustained service streak by junior
Tori Borton, featuring a service ace and multiple assists, pushed the lead to 15-3. The Mocs continued their dominance, with sophomore
Bali Coles sealing the set at 25-9 with a service ace, cementing a commanding start to the match.
The second set began with a back-and-forth exchange of points, as Valdosta State gained an initial lead with a service ace from Avery Mullins. Florida Southern responded with several key plays, including a kill by freshman
Whitney Mall and a service ace by senior
Morgan Word, leveling the score at 10-10. Valdosta State then managed a slight edge with consistent attacks, but FSC, led by junior
Catherine Sweeney and freshman
Chloe Moreland's kills, kept the game tight. Despite a late surge by the Moccasins, highlighted by Piktel and Word's crucial plays bringing the score to 24-24, Valdosta State ultimately clinched the set 28-26 after a tense exchange, capitalizing on a service error to seize the narrow victory.
The third set began with a quick start for the Mocs, as Mullen delivered an ace at the outset, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Word contributed significantly with multiple kills, including one from Mullen's assist at 5-2, and another from Borton to make it 9-5. A key moment came when freshman
Payton Nazzari served three consecutive aces, extending the lead to 13-5 and firmly establishing control. The combination of effective blocking from Piktel and clutch plays from Coles helped the Mocs secure the set 25-15, completing a decisive victory.
The Mocs gained momentum early in the fourth set with Coles delivering consecutive service aces, contributing to a 3-1 lead. As the set progressed, Moreland emerged as a key player, securing multiple kills, including a crucial one at 13-10, maintaining the team's edge. Despite a late push from VSU, highlighted by Katie Callenberger's effective plays, FSC clinched the set 25-20, finalized by Coles' decisive kill from Mullen, securing the match victory.
Word contributed significantly for the Mocs by recording eight kills and adding three total blocks. Borton facilitated the offense with 21 assists and chipped in with six digs. Nazzari excelled at the service line, tallying five aces while also leading the defense with 15 digs. Moreland led the team in kills with 12, contributing to her total of 12.5 points.
Avery Mullins has been pivotal for Valdosta State, contributing a team-high 31 assists and adding 13 digs over four matches. Katie Callenberger also made a significant impact, leading with 10 kills and a team-high 11.5 total points, while recording three block assists. Macy Brown showed defensive skills, securing eight digs and contributing five kills with a .308 hitting percentage. Additionally, Sabrina Oncins provided balance with eight kills and two service aces, while adding 10.5 total points.
The next challenge for Florida Southern comes on the road as they face off against Saint Leo in the Sunshine State Conference opener for both teams. The match is set for Friday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Marion Bowman Activities Center in Saint Leo, Fla.
