Kandler Takes Player of the Week Honors As Falcons Move Up in Ranking

The Lady Falcons captured big home wins last week as they defeated Indian River in three straight sets and defeated nationally ranked, Hillsborough Community College in four.

Tuesday night Daytona State took on the Pioneers of Indian River State College at the Lemerand Center.  The Falcons controlled the match early and despite a charge by Indian River in set two, the Falcons were able to close out the match in three sets. 

Daytona State was led defensively by Kiara Colson with 14 digs on the night.  Caitlin Conner directed the Falcon offense with 33 assists.  Offensive leaders for the Falcons were Halle Dotson with 10 kills and Alica Kandler with 9 kills.  The Falcons hit an impressive .391 against the Pioneers.

Friday night the Falcons played the Hawks of Hillsborough Community College.  This match offered the Falcons an opportunity to revenge on their only loss of the season, and they did just that.  The Falcons gained control early in set one, going up 1-0 as they headed into set two.  After taking a commanding lead in set two, the Falcons saw their advantage slip away along with control of set two.  With the match tied 1-1 the Falcons improved offensively and were able to capture sets three and four.

Kandler led the Falcons offensively with 17 kills hitting .314 on the night.  Defensively, Colson had 16 digs.  Conner added 45 assists to round out an impressive playing night for the Lady Falcons.

Daytona State’s 7-1 record and key wins against nationally ranked opponents, College of Central Florida and Hillsborough Community College, has advanced the Falcons to second in the region (FCSAA).

Kandler’s impressive performance on the week has earned her honors as the FCSAA Player of the Week.  Kandler accumulated 38 kills on the week, hitting a remarkable .341.  She also added 30 digs in Daytona State’s three matches.

The Falcons head to Gulf Coast this weekend to compete in the Gulf Coast Invitational.