Pioneers get their first Citrus Conference win of the season.

Wednesday, September 20^th, the Pioneers get their first Citrus Conference win in a 5-set thriller against Santa Fe College. Indian River improves to 7-5 overall and 1-3 in Conference.

In the first set, the River came out with an early lead, allowing them to put pressure on the Saints throughout the whole set. As it was looking bright for the Pioneers to prevail set one, the Saints had other plans. Chipping away one by one, Santa Fe found a way to take the momentum, winning set one 23-25. With the momentum and energy on the side with the Saints, Indian River started off to a slow start and struggled to find their groove in the second set. Despite the gap in score of 4-10, the Pioneers persevered as they went on multiple runs pushing the score to a one-point deficit, 15-16. The momentum slowly shifted and favored the side of the River as they took set two, 26-24.

Santa Fe came out with some fire in the third set, giving Indian River a run for their money. Both teams battled point for point until Indian River struggled to find the court as the Saints continued to grow their lead, assisting them to win set three 17-25. Knowing the match was on the line as Santa Fe lead 2-1, the Pioneers really pushed in set four. Indian River came out with lots of energy and were very gritty, which helped them apply pressure quick as they gained the lead early of 8-3. Continuing the drive, Indian River forced a fifth set as they secured set four 25-22. 

In the fifth set, Indian River came out ready to end the match as they knew they need to protect their home and secure their first conference win. With electrifying energy in the air, the Pioneers took the lead 10-3. Not letting up, Indian River came out on top, conquering 15-7 in the fifth set giving them the victory win.

Key contributors for the match include: Freshman outside Katejion Robinson (19 kills, 20 digs), Sophomore setter, Franziska Kopold (33 assists, 19 digs), and Freshman middle blocker, Rylee Waldie (8 kills, 7 block assists).

The Pioneers hit the road Saturday, September 23^rd for another conference match up against Polk State at 2pm.