University of North Florida
3-4
South Carolina State
4-4
Ospreys Sweep S.C. State in Volleyball Home Opener
9/9/2011 8:46:00 PM | Volleyball
Game Book
Postgame interview (video)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The University of North Florida volleyball team earned an impressive 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-22) sweep over South Carolina State in their home opener Friday night at UNF Arena.
A trio of UNF hitters finished with nine or more kills including Paige Pridgeon (10), Carolyn Jenkins (9) and Anna Budinska (9). The Ospreys (3-4) also hit a season-high .280 as a team for the match with freshman setter Casey Giovanazzi handing out 34 assists.
Budinska committed no hitting errors en route to a .692 hitting percentage and Marija Pantovic was also errorless in a .375 hitting performance. Jenkins, a newcomer for UNF, added a solid .467 hitting percentage in the victory.
On the defensive side, junior libero Nicole Baran finished with a match-best 12 digs while Dagnija Medina tallied three blocks.
“We continue to improve on all aspects of the game,” said UNF head coach Kevin Campbell. “It was another great team effort both offensively and defensively. I liked the fact that we got all four outside hitters involved. It was awesome to finally play at home and it made it even better to earn the victory. I felt like the crowd was a real energy boost for the team.”
The Ospreys raced out to a quick 6-1 lead in set one forcing the Lady Bulldogs into several hitting miscues. UNF extended its lead to double digits (16-6) before a late five point charge from South Carolina State trimmed the margin. North Florida turned by the surge for the 25-21 win.
The Lady Bulldogs grabbed the early momentum in set two leading by as many as five points (11-6). UNF continued to chip away eventually knotting the score at 13. The Ospreys moved in front and held a slim advantage until closing out the victory with the final three points.
A strong hitting performance (.405) and fast 5-1 lead sparked the Ospreys to the three-set sweep. UNF never trailed in the deciding frame and held as large as a five-point lead. The Lady Bulldogs closed to within a point, 20-19, but the Ospreys ended the threat with three straight points.
Desire Waller had 12 kills to lead S.C. State while Shabree Roberson finished with a team leading six blocks.
North Florida concludes its home stand Saturday against Presbyterian at 6 p.m.
