Pioneers Defeats Santa Fe

This weekend the Pioneers would take to the road against conference opponent Sante Fe College, looking to get a win that could all but secure their spot in the State Playoffs. After a long ride up, the Pioneers entered the gym with one mission, leave with a win.

Contrary to their normal starting routine on the road of going down early, today they came out ready to play and hopped out to quick lead within the first ten points. The Pioneers served aggressively, forcing the Saints out of system again and again, making it easy for libero, Irene Verdino (11 digs, 7 assists), to rack up some digs and roll the Pioneers to an easy first set win 25-19. The second set was a less favorable start for the Pioneers, as Sante Fe came out swinging and went up early. Their whole team had locked in on their passing and were looking much more in rhythm that in the first set. Even still, the Pioneers were able to rally their way back into it and take the lead before 20, proceeding to roll through the final points until they took the set 25-18.

The third set was one to remember. The Pioneers came out, and there was nothing they could do right. The passing was all over, hitting balls out of bounds, and the ball was going everywhere it shouldn't go. The Saints went up 10-4, and then later 17-11. It looked like there was no way that Indian River would pull this game out. Finally the score arrived at 20-24, Pioneers down, with freshman Greta Klotz (8 kills, 5 aces) going back to the service line. Ace. Another Ace. Timeout from the other team. Back on the floor, Ace. Then finally they were able to get a ball up and make a good tip over the right side block but thankfully setter Giulia Dias made a game saving dig, and the Pioneers were able to win the point and force a tie. Next serve, ace. Possible match point, and the saints get a good pass and in system, but the Pioneers are too locked in at this point…. Dig. Set. Kill. Match Over.

With this win the Pioneers record moves to 6-11 overall, 5-8 in the conference.

Their next match is against Miami-Dade at home on Tuesday, October 19.