Written by Theadora Humphrey
The St. Petersburg College women’s volleyball team is starting their 2024 season with a strong start! Under the guidance of their second season head coach, Coach Grace, the SPC Titans performed exceptionally and won their Friday night match with a sweep of Polk State College. This match truly showcased the team’s comradery early in the season. This win is particularly impressive considering Polk State College finished 3rd in the 2023 FCSAA Region VIII State Tournament, highlighting the Titans' potential for a successful 2024season.
Game Recap
The Titans were up against a formidable team for their first game of the season. Ranking 16th in the NJCAA DI polls in 2023, Polk State College was a force to be reckoned with. However, this did not stop the Titans, as they had a .200 hitting percentage, posted three blocks, and scored 11 kills. With these precisely executed plays, the Titans won the first set with a shocking score of 25 to 19.
With a new wave of confidence rolling over the team, the Titans fought hard in the next set to keep their lead. The points were close throughout the set, with either team only a point away from the other or dead even. Both teams played hard, as the Titans upped their hitting percentage to .300 and played through long, high-energy rallies. With two aces and impressive teamwork, the Titans won the second set with a score of 25 - 22.
As the third set started, the energy in the gymnasium shifted. The competitive feeling from each team was palpable as they began to play. The Titans’ offense was powerful, but Polk State played an impressive defense in an attempt to stop the opposing team’s overwhelming lead. Despite Polk State’s best efforts, the Titans upped their game even further to post 12 kills and a staggering 5 aces, winning the match point 25 to 23. In the end, the Titans swept their first season game with a thrilling sweep.
Key Players
Freshman Blen Nelson made an impressive debut in her first college volleyball match, contributing 5 kills, a serving ace, and achieving a .286 hitting percentage. Her performance adds to the team's strong start and highlights the depth of talent on the roster this season.
While the whole team showed cooperation and strength, a couple star players shined in this game. Coach Grace stated, “Our team captain’s leadership helped us majorly on the court”, and this can easily be seen in their statistics. Ranya, a sophomore (redshirt) opposite), fronted the team in kills with a grand total of 11 across the game. With a 2.28 passing rate, sophomore libero Lala managed to hold an extraordinary defense of 5 assists and 15 digs. Lastly, but certainly not least, the sophomore setter Tayla Tran played an astonishing game with a total of two kills, one block, seven digs, and 25 assists!
Upcoming Events
More excitement can be expected for the following week, as it is packed with games. The Titans will be facing the teams of Eastern Florida State College and Webber International University (JV) on Tuesday the 27th and Wednesday the 28th respectively and will play away at Hillsborough Community College on Friday at 6pm. Be sure to look forward to more action-packed games in the future and support the Titans by going to see them play live.
