VALDOSTA, Ga. – Rachel Machovec led a balanced Flagler College offensive attack with 12 kills, added five digs, and four total blocks in a season opening sweep (25-22, 25-16, 25-18) of Valdosta State University in a non-conference volleyball match Tuesday night at the Complex.

"First and foremost, we are incredibly thankful for the support and all of the efforts made by the Flagler College administration, our athletic department, and the athletic training staff for providing us the opportunity to compete," said head coach Matt Affolder. "Our word in the locker room during pre-game was "Ready", and there is no question our team was ready to battle, figure things out together, and play physical in all situations tonight."

Rachel Machovec only had one error on 22 swings to finish with an efficient .500 hitting percentage. Her twin sister Rebekah added seven kills and five digs while Logan Garcia tacked on seven kills and hit .500. Jordan Taylor contributed five kills and match-high five total blocks. Kennedy Muff recorded a double-double with a match-high 28 assists and a team-high 10 digs. Freshman libero Karolina Garstka collected four digs and had three service aces.

"It was great to see our three freshmen in their collegiate debuts impact the game with their tough serving and their overall confident mindset defensively and in serve receive," said Affolder. "Kennedy set a great match with her ability to change rhythm and flow of the offense, and her defense was very impactful. Rebekah was targeted all night long with serves, and she remained steady and played a major role in every area for us.  And I loved the energy, physicality, and confidence that Rachel played with at the net."

Jessie Mooney led the Blazers with a match-high 11 kills, and she completed the double-double with 10 digs. Lyara Rosario Hernandez collected a match-high 13 digs and Kennedy Deluca added four total blocks. Katie Demo tallied 12 assists for Valdosta State.

Trailing 11-8 in the first set, the Saints came out of a timeout and reeled off three consecutive points thanks to an ace by Sarah Kate Thompson and a Rachel Machovec kill. Flagler never trailed in the remainder of the set. Rachel Machovec led with four kills and hit .500.

The Saints jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the second set and cruised to the win. Flagler hit .400 with 15 kills and three errors on 30 swings. Rachel Machovec (five kills) and Garcia (four kills) both had a perfect  hitting percentage,1.000.

Flagler opened the third set on a 3-0 spurt and never trailed. The Saints led by as many as nine (16-7) but withstood a rally by Valdosta State late. The Blazers were held to a .057 hitting percentage. The Saints hit .310.

"With this unique home-and-home against Valdosta State and the quick turnaround, we can now take some time to fine-tune and learn more on video to prepare for our home opener on Friday night in the friendly confines of Flagler Gym," said Affolder.  

The same two teams will meet on Friday at 6 p.m. at Flagler Gymnasium.
 
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