Falcons Earn Top 10 Ranking in Week 2 NJCAA National Poll
DAYTONA BEACH – The Falcon volleyball team is off to a great start following the completion of week 2 play. The team’s current 5-2 record, with 5 out of the 7 matches being against nationally ranked opponents and all 7 matches against regionally ranked opponents, has lead them to a 2nd place ranking in the FCSAA Week 2 National Coaches poll and a 7th place ranking in the NJCAA Division I National Coaches poll.
“I love the relentless effort and unity I am seeing from the team right now,” stated interim DSC head coach Laura Booker Anderson. “We’ve placed a lot of our focus on the team element and I truly believe that our early season success is largely impart to the girl’s commitment to play as a team rather than individuals. Additionally, I am blessed to have some incredible leaders in our program who have bought into the process, set the tone, and lead the way for others to follow.”
Sophomores Derionah Abner and Rita Zecchin have led the Falcons offensively. Abner, a sophomore returner from Orlando, Florida has averaged 40 swings and 15 kills a match. Her left-handed, right side attack, from both the front and back row has proven to be a solid offensive weapon for the Falcons. Rita Zecchin, an Italian sophomore transfer from College of Central Florida, has come into this Falcon program and earned her way to be a 6-rotation starter on the outside. During the Falcon’s 5 set match against Florida Southwestern in our first week of play Zecchin logged an impressive .415 hitting percentage have recorded 21 kills on 41 attempts with only 4 errors. Additionally, she brings incredible control through her consistent serve receive passing and phenomenal backrow defense.
Additionally, Libero Essence Bell from Ocala, Florida, also sophomore transfer from College of Central Florida, has been a game changer for the Falcons. Bell leads the defense for the Falcons. Her competitive drive, relentless defense, and leadership on the court has undoubtedly been a main reason the Falcons have found early success in the season. Bell averages 18 digs a match and had a standout performance against Polk State College where she recorded an impressive 30 digs.
The Falcons have earned both losses this season in 4 set battles against the #1 nationally ranked Miami Dade College. The team will be on the road this week as they travel to New Port Richey, Florida to take on the Bobcats of Pasco-Hernando State College on Wednesday and kick off conference play against Pensacola State College on Saturday.