University of North Florida
10-15,4-8ASUN
North Alabama
12-13,6-6ASUN
Volleyball Earns Thrilling Five-Set Road Win Over North Alabama
11/2/2025 5:00:00 PM | Volleyball
FLORENCE, Ala. - North Florida volleyball was relentless and battled to earn a thrilling five-set come-from-behind road victory over North Alabama, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon.
Graduate outside hitter Kailey McKnight reached an illustrious career-milestone, surpassing 1,000-career kills with 21 total at UNA.
UNF 1, UNA 3 (23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 27-25, 15-2)
Set 1: McKnight ignited North Florida's offense with a pair of early kills. McKnight finished the set with a match-high five kills. Despite a remarkable 10-0 run from the Ospreys in the latter stages, UNA earned the victory.
Set 2: The Ospreys narrowly trailed, 13-12, following one of senior middle blocker Kierstyn McFall's seven kills in the match. Graduate outside hitter Janelly Ceopa extended UNF's lead to 18-14 with a kill of her own. Freshman opposite Kendall Newbold sealed the win on set-point with a kill.
Set 3: North Alabama notched 16 kills on .372 hitting to take a 2-1 advantage in the match.
Set 4: Newbold and junior middle blocker Yarimiar Francis Garay posted a block assist on the opening point. McKnight continued to be sensational, reaching a match-high 17 kills to go with eight digs and two blocks amid the set. An ace from junior outside hitter Kaili Doctor on set-point helped the Ospreys earn the victory.
Set 5: Facing a 5-2 deficit, North Florida once again showed no signs of quit. McKnight fueled a 5-0 run for UNF with a pair of kills and Ceopa added an ace, allowing the Ospreys to command an 8-6 edge. Newbold posted a clutch kill on match-point to secure North Florida's second-straight victory this week.Â
UNF
Kailey McKnight | 22 kills
Sofia Dawson | 44 assists
Julianna Santiago | 23 digs
Yarimar Francis Garay | 6 blocks
UNA
Kendall Barnes | 15 kills
Reese Ricketts | 15 kills
Kinslee McGowan | 45 assists
Ava Martindale | 21 digs
NOTES
- Ceopa tied her career-high in kills with 15 total.
- Dawson notched 30 assists or more for the ninth time this season.
- Ceopa and McKnight each tallied double-doubles.
- Newbold added 14 kills for the Ospreys.Â
UP NEXT
North Florida will play its final four matches of the season at home, starting against Queens on Friday, Nov. 7. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. at UNF Arena.
