Box Score
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Eckerd College volleyball team snapped a three-match losing streak on Monday night against the University of Saint Francis (Ill.) for a non-conference victory in straight sets, 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-23).
After a weekend off, the Tritons (9-6, 2-4 SSC) returned to the court rejuvenated against the Fighting Saints (19-9, 7-2 CCAC). EC Head Coach
Michelle Piantadosi said the break gave the team time to work in practice on different aspects of its game that needed improvement.
The improvements showed tonight as the Tritons took the first two sets without ever relinquishing the lead.
Sophomore
Tjasa Kotnik continued to be a consistent force for Eckerd. Kotnik collected nine kills in 20 attempts for a .300 hitting percentage. She also garnered two solo blocks and three block assists.
"You can tell she [Tjasa] is getting more comfortable out there," Piantadosi said. "She's in a rhythm with hitting, and she is such a good blocker."
Juniors
Ali McAlvany and
Katarina Milojevic also added bright spots to the Tritons' offense. McAlvany supplied a team-high 12 kills in the win, while Milojevic delivered 10 kills and four block assists.
Making her debut in McArthur Center was freshman middle blocker
Kayla Parker. Parker tallied three kills on six attempts.
"Kayla did a great job of coming off the bench and producing a good spark," Piantadosi said. "She's going to continue to grow in the middle position."
While the Tritons carried the momentum throughout the entirety of the match, the Fighting Saints held true to their name in the third set. There were four lead changes and nine occasions where both teams were even, but Saint Francis' efforts would not be enough.
Sophomore Hayley Wacker led the Fighting Saints' offense with 10 kills while Megan Mowery added nine kills.
The Tritons continue their schedule with four non-conference matchups on the road at the UWF Regional Crossover in Pensacola, Fla., on Oct. 17 to Oct. 19, as they take on host University of West Florida, Valdosta State (Ga.) University, the University of North Alabama and Christian Brothers (Tenn.) University.
To see a schedule with match times and links to live stats, visit EckerdTritons.com. Video will only be provided for matches West Florida is competing in.
