Pioneers suffer Road Loss to Nationally Ranked FSW Bucs

The Pioneer Volleyball team took the road this past Thursday to take on the top team in the country, Florida Southwestern, who was on a 14-game win streak. The Pioneers are still trying to clench a spot for states so this match was a big opportunity, and a chance to get a much-needed win.

The Pioneers would take the floor of Suncoast Arena ready to do battle, and battle they would. The first set would go back and forth with neither team gaining a lead of more than a couple points. Late in the game however FSW really found their offensive and defensive rhythm and were able to string together a few plays and take the first set 18-25. The Pioneers had played a hard match but knew they could improve and came out with even more fire, and took the lead early in the second game. Behind the big blocks from Jeyhlen Thomas, the River was able to hold on to a lead the entire first half of the set. FSW remained calm however and began to make play after play, and eventually they would turn the set into a blowout for FSW, finishing 25-15.

With all the momentum against them the Pioneers would do a full platoon swap to try and get some fresh legs and new energy on the court. It seemed to be working also, as the Pioneers hung just a couple points behind throughout much of the third set before tying the game up at 20-20. That would be the last time they would be in striking distance.  Florida Southwestern would make some tremendous plays down the final stretch, and would ultimately take the win 25-23.

Top performers for the River included Greta Klotz (11 Kills), Jeyhlen Thomas (5 Kills, 2 Blocks), and Samantha Dibene (2 Kills, 3 Blocks)

With this loss the Pioneers drop down to 4-11 overall, and 3-8 in the conference. The Pioneers will play their next match on the road against Eastern Florida State College on Thursday, October 14. Please come out and support your Pioneers!