IRSC Volleyball Splits Tri-Match

The Pioneer Volleyball team continued their season with a Tri-Match against Hillsborough CC and Sante Fe State College this past friday.  The first match was against Hillsborough who was ranked 5th in the state. River lost the first two sets 25-17, 25-14, and it looked like it was going to be a quick day for the underdogs. Returning Sophomores Jasmine Sayre and Mallory Rooney had a different idea, and led the team on an impressive comeback with season high 21 digs for Sayre and 15 kills for Rooney. With the pressure on, the pioneers rallied to force a 5th set after taking the next two 25-22 and 25-14. Ultimately the game was closed out by Sophomore Gabriela Fialova (13 digs) with a clutch ace serve, winning 15-13 and giving the River their first Top 5 victory of the season. Other standout performances came from Tessa Raadsheer (6 kills), Irene Verdino (5 kills, 10 digs), Jeyhlen Thomas (8 kills, 3 blocks) and Re'na Ashley (5 kills)

            There was little time to rejoice in the victory however as up next was Sante Fe who was only one spot down in the rankings at #6 in the state. The whole match was tight all the way through, with neither team winning a game by more than 5. While the River fought hard, they ultimately were defeated in the 4th set with scores of 21-25, 28-26, 25-27, 24-26. Some standout performances from this game included Jasmine Sayre with 14 digs, Irene Verdino with 27 digs and 5 kills, Jeyhlen Thomas with 8 kills and 3 blocks, and Mallory Rooney with 9 kills. Also finding her first playing time of the year, freshman Doris De Prato brought energy and important kills throughout the match.  A tough loss for the underdogs but it looks to be a promising season for the Pioneer Volleyball team.

The Indian River Volleyball Team has their next match on Tuesday at Eastern Florida State College at 6pm. That will be the first Southern Conference match of the season.