AIKEN, S. C. – The Flagler volleyball team traveled to USCA in a Peach Belt Conference match Friday night inside the Convocation Center. The Saints extended their win streak to 16 consecutive matches with a sweeping victory over the Pacers, winning 25-13, 25-21, 25-22.
QUOTES FROM COACH
"Picking up a three-set road win against a quality opponent like USCA tells you all you need to know about this team."
Jeff Reynolds said.
"I have the greatest seat in the arena. It's so fun to watch this group compete, to work together, to work out of jams, to put together big runs, to flat out take care of business." Reynolds added.
"We know we have another big match tomorrow here in South Carolina. We know USCA will be ready to battle it out." Reynolds continues. "They're a good team. We'll have to bring our A game again tomorrow in order to take care of business." Reynolds ended.
Flagler vs. USCA
Score: Flagler 3, USCA 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-22)
Location: Aiken, S.C. (Convocation Center)
Records: Flagler (17-2) PBC (6-0), USCA (12-4) PBC (4-2)
OPENING VOLLEY
- Marley Middlebrooks recorded her 14th double-double of the season with 14 kills and 13 digs. Middlebrooks posted a .294 hitting percentage and added two blocks.
- Gia Lowe produced nine kills with a .280 hitting percentage while contributing three digs and four blocks.
- Senior Gracie Fleming tallied seven kills with a hitting percentage of .267. Fleming recorded one solo block and four block assists.
- Katherine Rank added five kills without an error, finishing with a .357 hitting percentage. Rank lead the Saints with five blocks.
- Jilly Young and Bella Law continued to provide a strong presence at setter. Young recorded 24 assists, three digs and one ace. Law contributed 11 assists, one kill and one dig.
- Amelia Fitzpatrick produced two aces and six digs for the Saints.
THE DIFFERENCE
- The Saints established an early 4-2 lead in the opening set and extended the advantage to 8-4 with a 4-2 run. The Paces responded with a 5-3 run to cut into the deficit, but Flagler regained control with five kills and a Pacer error to build a 17-9 lead. The Saints maintained the momentum before closing out the set with a three-point run, capped by a kill from Rank, to secure a 25-13 victory.
- Flagler opened the second set with a 5-3 advantage before extending its lead to 10-5 with a 5-2 run. After trading points, the Saints maintained control, leading 20-13. USCA responded with a 6-1 run to narrow the deficit to 21-19, but Flagler held off the rally with a 4-2 run to close out the set, 25-21. Fleming contributed a key kill during the closing stretch.
- The Saints took an early 5-3 lead in the third set before stringing together seven consecutive points to build a commanding 12-3 advantage. The Pacers responded with a 5-3 run to cut the deficit to 15-8 and continued to apply pressure with a 5-1 stretch. Flagler answered with a 4-2 run to extend its lead to 20-14. USCA then mounted a late rally, scoring eight of the next nine points to take a 22-21 lead. The Saints responded under pressure, scoring four consecutive points to complete the sweep, 25-22. Middlebrooks and Rank combined for a key block assist during the closing run.
NOTABLES
- Friday's victory extended Flagler's winning streak to 16 consecutive matches, moving the Saints into fourth place in program history for the longest winning streak. Flagler also moved into second place among active winning streaks in NCAA Division II.
- The Saints improved to 6-0 in Peach Belt Conference play.
COMING UP
The Saints will play at the Convocation Center once again to face USCA in a Peach Belt Conference matchup tomorrow, Saturday, October 10 at 1 p.m.
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