October 10, 2022

Falcons Take Down #1 NJCAA Ranked FSW Buccaneers

Daytona Beach, FL – History was made for the Daytona State volleyball program on Saturday afternoon as they defeated #1 nationally ranked Florida Southwestern Buccaneers 3-1 during an exciting Suncoast Conference matchup. Coming into Saturday’s match, the Bucs had not lost a Suncoast Conference match in nearly three years and was undefeated (15-0) on the season leading both the Suncoast Conference and NJCAA rankings for the last 6 weeks of play.

The Falcons came ready to play after a tough 4 set loss to the Bucs during their first meeting on the road earlier this season where they took set one, but FSW came back to win the next 3.  It seemed like a similar match as the Falcons found themselves leading set one from the get-go, the Bucs made a late run, but the Falcons took set one 25-22.

Heading into set two the Falcons were in the zone getting a 6-1 lead on the set.  However, the Bucs were not going to go down without a fight and fought back to gain momentum at the end of the set.  The Falcons were behind 22-24, but a kill by Sophomore outside, Laura de Chavarria Munoz, followed by a block by Munoz and Freshman middle blocker, Emma Testi, tied the set up 24-24. A hitting error by FSW gave the Falcons back the lead 25-24 and a massive kill by freshman right side, Julia Rienks, sealed the set for the Falcons 26-24.

The Falcons had a rocky start to set 3 where the Bucs found themselves with their largest lead of the match thus far.  Daytona worked to gain momentum and brought the score back to a one-point deficit (13-14) against FSW who had been leading all set 3, but ultimately succumb to the Bucs 16-25.

The Falcons didn’t lose their rhythm for long, the team came out strong in set 4 ready to seal the deal.  Freshmen middle blocker, Eddie Schultz, and Rienks put on an impressive blocking show having 5 huge blocks back-to-back.  The 6’2 pair knew their job and absolutely dominated at the net. However, the blocking alone did not get the job done. Sophomore libero, Riley Wyatt, and sophomore outside, Alina Carrillo, played ruthless defense in the back court. The Falcons had a fire that was not going to be put out and ultimately took set 4 (25-18) to become the first team to defeat the Bucs in conference play in the last 3 years and break their 15-match winning streak this season. 

“To say I am proud of this group would be an understatement!” stated head coach, Laura Booker Anderson regarding the win.  “Coming into the match our team had been playing some of the best team volleyball at practice that we have played all season. The trust they had in one another paired with their relentless defense and drive was the difference maker. This team made history defeating the number one team in the nation, but I don’t think this is the last historical moment for this crew this year.”

The Falcons have a tough week of Suncoast Conference play on the road as they face Santa Fe (10/11) @6pm, Miami Dade (10/13) @6pm, and Polk State (10/15) @3pm.