DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Florida Southern College volleyball (1-0, 0-0 Sunshine State) secured a 3-0 victory over Edward Waters University (0-1, 0-0 SIAC) on Friday morning at the ICI Center, sweeping the match with set scores of 25-21, 25-18, and 25-11. The Mocs' efficient attack was highlighted by a .355 hitting percentage, bolstered by nine service aces.
FSC opened the first set with an effective offensive strategy, initially trading points with the Tigers.
Mel Garrett's early kill, assisted by
Brielle Mullen, set the tone for FSC's competitive start. The home team's defense, highlighted by a block from
Catherine Sweeney and
Bali Coles, helped keep the score close in the early stages.
As the set progressed, the Moccasins' resilience shone through. A mid-set push saw contributions from
Whitney Mall and
Elizabeth McDonald, bringing the home team level at 8-8. Mullen's service ace and subsequent kill by Coles pushed FSC into the lead, creating a small advantage.
In the closing moments, the Mocs capitalized on service aces from
Payton Nazzari and
Ella Kuosmanen, effectively extending their lead. The team maintained composure and closed the set at 25-21, securing the early advantage in the match.
The second set began with a significant momentum shift for FSC, initiated by a Coles kill. This was followed by a strong defensive display, with Mall and Sweeney combining for a critical block that contributed to an early lead.
Florida Southern continued to build on its momentum, with McDonald and Mall executing successive kills, bolstered by precise assists from
Tori Borton and Mullen. As the set progressed, Sweeney added four kills, further extending the lead.
The Mocs maintained control as McDonald and Coles delivered crucial points, keeping the team ahead. Another service ace by Ella Kusomanen concluded the set, sealing a 25-18 win and maintaining their lead in the match.
In the third set, FSC seized momentum early with a service ace and consecutive kills from Garrett, establishing a 4-1 lead. Mullen's setting facilitated a strong offensive push, including four kills by McDonald, extending Florida Southern's advantage to 13-5. Defensive plays, including blocks by Garrett and Sweeney, along with service aces, helped FSC maintain control.
As the set progressed, the Moccasins capitalized on EWU's errors, including multiple attack errors, to widen the gap.
Taylor Zimmerman contributed a crucial service ace late in the set, and the Mocs secured the set with a 25-11 victory, closing out the match decisively.
McDonald led the team with 10 kills on 20 attempts, finishing with a .400 hitting percentage. Mullen contributed significantly with 20 assists and added one service ace. Coles was active defensively, recording 11 digs while adding seven kills on the offensive side.
Ella Kuosmanen made a notable impact in her Florida Southern debut with five service aces, boosting her total points to 11.
Jewel Helmuth led the Tigers with a .417 hitting percentage, securing six kills on 12 attempts and contributing two total blocks. Genesis Melenciano posted a .444 hitting percentage with five kills and three blocks. Heylianis Aquino added five kills, eight digs, and two service aces, totaling seven points for the team. Naraiya Thompson facilitated the Tigers' offense, leading the team with 14 assists.
FSC will face St. Edward's for game two of the Bahama House Classic on Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at the ICI Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.
