Rollins-Eckerd Box Score
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Rollins College rallied to take the final two sets in a hard-fought 3-2 victory (25-20, 16-25, 23-25, 25-20, 17-15) over Eckerd College on Saturday at the McArthur Center.
Sarah Mendoza had a match-high 25 kills, along with 23 digs, to lead the Tars (11-6, 4-5 Sunshine State Conference). Megan Hodges also had a double-double with 16 kills and 10 digs. Kiana Parks tallied 55 assists, as well as 16 digs.
The Tars had 100 digs overall.
Freshman Lindsay Biggs continued her impressive rookie season for the Tritons (5-12, 0-8). The outside hitter had a career-best 21 kills and 21 digs, marking the first “20-20” match for a Triton this year.
Ariana Chinn added 13 kills, while libero Hallie Ward notched a match-best 24 digs. Setters Bri Smith (39 assists, 15 digs) and Madison Burr (21 assists, 10 digs) also had double-doubles.
The Tritons had a season-high 11 service aces, including four from Biggs.
After Rollins took the opening set, Eckerd took control. The hosts hit .410 in the second to even the match and won five of the final six points in the third to grab a 2-1 edge.
The Tars, though, hit .310 in the fourth set – keyed by Mendoza's eight kills on just 11 swings.
In the decisive fifth, Eckerd had a match point at 14-13 before Mendoza recorded a clutch kill. Biggs gave the Tritons another match point with a kill to give the hosts a 15-14 advantage.
The Tars, though, took the final three points – capped off by a kill from Camille Indest (12 kills, four block assists).
Eckerd will get a week off before stepping out of SSC play next Saturday with a 7 p.m. match at Valdosta State.
