Volleyball Prevails in Season Debut

The Indian River State College Volleyball team kicked off the 2018 campaign with a victory last night against Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne.

The Pioneers were able to shake off some first-match nerves and rally from deficits of 12-17 and 20-23 in the opening set to ultimately record the 3-0 sweep. While the comeback in the first set of the match showcased the team's character and ability to stick together, sets two and three exhibited some of what this 2018 squad could be capable of going forward.

Boosted by Freshman Outside Hitter Ayannah Henry's match-high 12 kills, the Pioneers' offense really began to take shape towards the end of the first set. Henry finished with a stellar .647 hitting percentage, and tallied her 12 kills in only 2 sets, recording 9 of them in a momentum swinging second set.

The Pioneers received admirable contributions from every attacking position, as fellow Outside Hitter Jenna Erwin recorded 8 put-aways, Middle Blockers Jacki Shmitz and Brittany Beckelheimer notched 6 kills apiece, while Opposite Hitter Lindsay Glynn recorded 6 winners of her own. Freshman setters Erin Ergle and Jada Biveis combined for 33 assists on the night. 

Sophomore Libero Rebecca Sills led the team defensively with 12 kills and a 2.4 serve receive rating, while Erwin recorded 11 digs and Bivins tallied 9.

The Pioneers look to build on their season-opening victory as they head to Jacksonville Friday for Showdowns against Florida State College Jacksonville and Florida Gateway College.