Six Falcons Selected to Mid-Florida All-Conference Team
DAYTONA BEACH – The Falcons were well represented on the Mid-Florida All-Conference team as 6 members were selected as the top competitors in the league.
Sophomore Derionah Abner received well-deserved Mid-Florida Conference 1st Team All-Conference honors. Abner has been a key component of the team’s success this season. The lone returner from the Falcon’s 2019 starting lineup certainly used her experience to guide the team to their 15-6 overall record. Currently Abner leads the region in kills with 236 and is holding strong in the top 3 in Aces with a total of 42 on the season.
Joining Abner on the first team is Freshman Middle Blocker, Sarah Stratton. Stratton made herself known early in her first collegiate season both with her offensive and defensive play. Stratton has an impressive .315 hitting percentage on the season. She leads the state in blocks per set and block assists and is ranked 2nd in the nation for blocks per set, 5th nationally for block assists, and 6th nationally for total blocks.
Another member honored on the Mid-Florida All-Conference 1st team is sophomore outside hitter, Rita Zecchin. Zecchin joined the Falcons just this past Fall and immediately had an impact on the program. Zecchin has played every point for the Falcons this season as a 6-rotation outside. While her play on the offensive side of the ball has certainly played an impactful role in the team’s season success, it is her defensive play and ball control that sets her apart from most outside hitters.
The final member to be honored on the Mid-Florida All-Conference 1st team is freshman, Svea Frobel. Frobel, the 6’0 outside hitter from Germany, has played a big role as a go-to hitter for the Falcons this season. She currently holds a .228 hitting percentage on the season and has accumulated a total of 114 kills on the season. Frobel has been a great addition to the Falcon roster and continues to be a key contributor for the team’s success.
Receiving second team honors are sophomore libero, Essence Bell, and freshmen setter, Jenna Zimmerman. Bell who transferred to Daytona this summer is currently 2nd in the state for digs and 4th for digs per set. Her relentless defense and top-notch ball control are unparallel. Bell also brings leadership and court knowledge that has truly been indispensable for the 2021 Falcon program.
Zimmerman has done a terrific job leading the Falcon offense this season. The 5’11 setter from Germany is 2nd in the region for assists with 578 on the season and 5th for assists per set. Zimmerman has quickly grown as the offensive quarterback for the Falcons and has unlimited potential moving forward into post season and Fall 2021 play.
“These 6 ladies are unquestionably deserving of their All-Conference selections. Each one of them have played a critical role in our success this season. We have a small crew this season and I am so proud of how each member of this team has come together, embraced the culture, and worked their tails off to get where we are now in the season. Sarah, Svea, and Jenna have played major roles in this program in their first year of play. They have quickly adapted to the collegiate pace of the game and have outdone themselves. I’m so proud of all they’ve accomplished thus far but am so excited to watch their continued growth, and the growth of all my freshmen, into next season. Deri, Rita, and Essence have done an incredible job as leaders both on and off the court. I am blessed to have these three bringing their experience and knowledge to our otherwise young group. Those girls, along with my other sophomores, will certainly be missed next year. “ stated interim head coach, Laura Booker Anderson.
The Falcons 4 1st team All-Conference recipients will now be considered for All-State consideration, which is to be announced on Wednesday, March 24th.
2020-2021 MID FLORIDA CONFERENCE ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM