Box Score
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Eckerd College volleyball team was defeated in its opening match of the University of West Florida Regional Crossover to host and 19th-ranked UWF in straight sets
on Thursday evening by scores of 11-25, 17-25 and 23-25.
The Tritons (9-7, 2-4 SSC) rebounded
on Monday in a sweep of the University of Saint Francis (Ill.) after enduring a tough stretch through the Sunshine State Conference schedule.
Although the Tritons have a five-match layover from the conference schedule, EC Head Coach
Michelle Piantadosi mentioned after Monday's win that there wouldn't be any break away from good competition.
West Florida (15-4 overall), members of the Gulf South Conference, came out strong in the first set in a 25-11 win to grab early momentum in the UWF Field House.
The Tritons' offense was attempting to get tracked following four kills and an uncharacteristic six attacking miscues in the opening frame.
In the second set, Eckerd led 8-5, but three attacking errors, a ball handling error and an Argonaut ace gave West Florida a 10-8 lead.
The Tritons were able to tie it back up at 11-11, but UWF setter Sierra Hansen held her serve for four straight points before Eckerd could side out, and the Argonauts would remain in control for the two-set edge.
Eckerd made a strong push in the final set, battling West Florida point-for-point throughout the final game. Holding the lead at 13-12, the Tritons forced West Florida to take its first timeout of the match.
But three service errors came at critical junctures as the Argonauts held on down the stretch to complete the sweep.
Juniors
Katarina Milojevic and
Ali McAlvany led Eckerd with seven kills apiece. Milojevic also added one solo block and three block assists.
Sarah Scott (13), Autumn Duyn (13) and Lindsay Homme (13), each hit in double-digit kill totals to assist West Florida in a .324 attacking percentage in the match.
Eckerd will continue play at the UWF Regional Crossover with two more matches
tomorrow afternoon against GSC opponents. The Tritons will first take on Valdosta State (Ga.) University at
12:45 p.m. EST, followed by the University of North Alabama at 5:15 p.m. EST.
Live stats will be available for both games on
EckerdTritons.com.
