LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College volleyball (2-0, 0-0 Sunshine State) rallied from a two-set deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Hillsdale College (1-2, 0-0 G-MAC) at Jenkins Field House, clinching the match with a 15-9 win in the decisive fifth set.
The first set saw a back-and-forth battle as FSC and Hillsdale traded scoring runs. The Mocs jumped out to an early 3-1 lead with
Morgan Word and
Chloe Moreland contributing kills, while
Tori Borton set up points effectively. However, HC responded with a string of points, including a service ace from Jenna Southland, to draw even at 8-8. Despite efforts from
Whitney Mall and Moreland to close the gap, the Chargers capitalized on a late 6-1 run, taking advantage of multiple service and attack errors to secure the set 25-19.
FSC took an early lead in the second set, with
Bali Coles securing the opening point through a kill assisted by Borton. A service ace by
Brielle Mullen extended their advantage to 5-2, demonstrating strategic momentum. However, as the set progressed, a series of attack errors allowed HC to rally back and eventually tie the score at 14-14. Despite efforts from Word and Coles, who each contributed critical kills, Hillsdale edged past in a tense finish to claim the set 25-22.
The third set commenced with a commanding performance from Florida Southern, powered by Mullen's serving streak that led to an early 9-0 advantage. Mall was instrumental, contributing with multiple kills, including one at 8-0 and another at 11-4, as the team maintained its lead. Despite a few service errors, Word and Coles continued to deliver crucial points, guiding the team to a 25-16 victory to secure the set.
The fourth set began with Florida Southern establishing early control, highlighted by Mall's opening kill. A notable streak saw Coles dominate offensively, contributing four kills and two service aces, while Word and Coles combined for a critical block at 5-1. Mullen's playmaking was instrumental, providing assists on multiple scoring plays including Coles' decisive kill, securing Florida Southern's 25-19 victory.
The final set began with Hillsdale taking an early 5-1 lead, but Florida Southern responded with a series of strategic plays.
Lindsay Piktel initiated the comeback with a kill, and Coles contributed a service ace to level the score at 7-7. With Word adding a crucial service ace and Moreland executing a key block, Florida Southern surged ahead and clinched the set 15-9, securing the match victory.
Coles led the effort with a huge double-double including a career-high 19 kills and 18 digs, while adding five service aces to contribute 25 points overall. Word recorded 11 kills on a .435 hitting percentage and posted three total blocks alongside two service aces, amassing 14.5 points. Mullen provided crucial support with 29 assists and four service aces, enhancing the team's playmaking. Sasaki made a defensive impact with 31 digs, ensuring a sturdy back line for the team.
Josie TeSlaa stood out for the Chargers with 34 assists, leading the team in setting opportunities with a .455 hitting percentage. Ella Byrum was a defensive anchor, contributing 29 digs to the team's efforts. On the frontline, Adi Sysum recorded 10 kills and led the blocking game with seven total blocks. Jenna Southland and Caroline Lanicek also made significant impacts at the net, recording five and six total blocks respectively, fortifying HC's defensive presence.
Looking ahead, FSC will face off against Augusta at 5 p.m. on September 6 at the George W. Jenkins Field House in Lakeland, Fla.
