Kandler Named National Player of the Week, While Falcons Qualify for Regionals

October 21, 2015

The Lady Falcons have earned one of the eight seeds in the upcoming NJCAA Region 8 Tournament set to commence November 6th in Pensacola, Florida. 

In addition to solidifying their spot in the upcoming regionals, the Lady Falcons made the Mid-Florida Conference rankings quite interesting after upsetting Sante Fe College (8th ranked) at home last Thursday, October 15th.  This was the Falcons second win this season over the Saints of Sante Fe, defeating them earlier this season on the road in four sets.

Two big wins last week were just what the Falcons needed as they inch closer to the conclusion of regular season and turn their sights on post season play.  Daytona State’s success last week was in large part due to major contributions both offensively and defensively by Alica Kandler.  Her exceptional play earned her the esteemed honor as NJCAA National Player of the Week.

Kandler, a sophomore outside hitter for the Lady Falcons, currently ranks 13th in the nation in kills per set with 3.66.  She surpassed her season average last week, recording 41 kills on just 10 errors, hitting an impressive .316 on the week.  Additionally, Kandler controlled the Falcon’s defense recording 32 digs for the two matches.  Her superior play was instrumental in the Falcons upset over the Saints as well as the victory over Saint John River State College.

Kandler will be taking her talents to Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall to play for the Rams of VCU. “They are getting the package!  Kandler is the complete player.  She can provide an explosive attack, consistently serve receive at a high level, and make amazing defensive plays.  Her ability to read, combined with her volleyball IQ solidifies her impact in our program and her future program at VCU,” commented Coach Stegall on Kandler’s recent nomination.

The Falcons will look to their sophomore outside to provide stability and power as they advance to regional play in November.  The tournament bracket is still taking shape, as conference play concludes this Thursday. 

Two Mid-Florida Conference powerhouses, Sante Fe College and College of Central Florida will go head-to-head to determine the fate for who will be crowned Mid-Florida Conference Champions.  If Sante Fe College can outlast the Patriots of Central Florida and Daytona State can defeat Lake Sumter, the Mid-Florida Conference will have an unprecedented three-way tie for the title, with Daytona State College claiming a piece of the pie.  If Central Florida can seize a victory over the Saints on the road, the Patriots will have sole ownership of the title, and Daytona State College will claim 2nd place.

After concluding Mid-Florida Conference play on the road Thursday night in Longwood, against Lake Sumter, the Falcons will conclude their regular season with two final home dates.  The first of the two comes this weekend with a match up against the Hawks of Hillsborough (9th ranked).  The Falcons are split on the season with Hillsborough, with Daytona State College claiming victory in their most recent matchup against the Hawks.  Daytona State College will also see Broward College during this Saturday’s tri-match play at the Gale Lemerand Center on the Daytona Beach Campus. 

Final regular season play will wrap up with sophomore night, October 30th at 7pm against the Sharks of Miami-Dade College.