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Florida State College at Jacksonville Athletics
Volleyball team group picture at the UW Health Sports Factory during the Opening Weekend Tournament in Rockford, Illinois
August 23, 2024

FSCJ Volleyball Kicks Off Season in Illinois, Earns Ranked Win in Manta Rays Debut

FSCJ Volleyball kicked things off in the inaugural event as the Manta Rays at the Opening Weekend Tournament in Rockford, Illinois and flashed signs of the excitement to come.

With a new look lineup featuring five freshmen joined by returning setter Abigail Bucci, FSCJ wasted no time taking the first set against #21 Madison. Both teams traded points early in the second with the Wolves gaining an edge, only for the Manta Rays to put together a late rally and take the set 26-24. The Manta Rays and Wolves continued their trend of competitive play into the third set, this time the Wolves finished strong 25-22. The fourth set featured Madison fending off five match points to take it 30-28 and push the match to a deciding fifth set. The Manta Rays were in command early jumping out to a 9-2 lead, but the Wolves would not fade away and rallied back to earn a match point of their own at 13-14. The young squad from Florida kept their poise and won the last three points to secure the win. The victory marked the first ranked win for the program since moving to DII back in 2021.

"We played some big teams that really allowed us to chip away at the potential we have on our roster," said head coach Chelsea Hinck. "We took a win against #21 Madison College on Friday right off the bat and then went up against #9 Kirkwood Community College (BOX SCORE) with a loss. After the first split on Friday, we went into Saturday where we lost against St. Clair County Community College (BOX SCORE) and #5 Parkland College (BOX SCORE). This weekend really showcased what this program is capable of going against some of the top teams in the nation. Our team consists of 14 freshman and 4 returners which is a large group where we have a lot of moveable parts, that make us extremely dynamic. I am eager to watch our product unfold this season as a new team and impressed by what we were capable of bringing to the table this weekend in Illinois against some big competition."

Next up is a trip to Gainesville on Tuesday to take on Santa Fe at 6 p.m.

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