Lady Titans Perfect to Start Season

2017 Volleyball team photo
2017 Volleyball team photo

The SPC Women's Volleyball team started the first week of the season a perfect 4-0 record, with victories over 3 nationally ranked teams.

The Lady Titans opened the 2017 season with a mid week contest at home in the Gibbs Gymnasium against the Conquistadors of Pasco-Hernando State College with a 3-1 victory.  Coach White's take on the night was, "It was nice to get off to a win at home, and many of the girls played well, but I know they can play better."  Beatriz Vieira lead the Titans scoring 22 points including 19 kills, 4 blocks and a service ace.

On Friday the Lady Titans traveled to Gainesville, FL to participate in the Campus USA Santa Fe Classic.  Friday night SPC took on #14 ranked Daytona State. "Daytona State is very good and came out playing outstanding.  We could not answer them and we lost the first game 25-10.  We made some adjustments, brought Ana Costa in to hit in the second game and SPC came alive, but dropped a very close second set 27-25.  Our girls continued to play well, and get better as the match went on winning the third set 25-20, and the fourth set 25-15.  You never know what will happen in game 5.   Fortunately, we made a few good plays at 12-12 and ended up on top."  Freshman Michelle Valiente had a great game with 23 points including 19 kills and two service aces. 

On Saturday morning, the Lady Titans took on the hosts, #16 Ranked Santa Fe winning the match 3 sets to 0.  "The girls continued to play well and many players helped us along the way on Saturday.  We passed well and kept the pressure on Santa Fe through all 3 sets. Rafaela continued to set very well and it was good to see Kylee come in and play some great defense."   Michelle Valiente continued to lead the way with 12 kills.

Later that day the Lady Titans finished a very competitive weekend against #12 ranked Palm Beach winning again 3 sets to 0.  "Michelle and Bea really lead the way in this match, keeping us on track thru the weekend.  Kyce also provided some good work in the middle.  I think she'll do very well as she gets more used to the position and playing more indoors, as opposed to the beach."  Michelle Valiente and Bea Vieira combined to 32 points.  "Our outside hitters are doing very well, but we need to get more players more involved in the offense.  Fortunately, we have the hitters, setting, and ball control to make this happen, just takes more work."

The Lady Titans continue their difficult early season schedule with a visit back to Daytona State this week, then Home games on Tuesday, September 5th, and Thursday September 7th, against #14 Ranked Daytona State and #4 ranked Polk State College. Come to the Gibbs Gymnasium to see some of the best volleyball in the country!