Florida State volleyball got swept by FIU, then swept North Alabama. With conference play fast approaching, Florida State turns its attention to the No.10 Florida Gators.
Florida State volleyball (5-4) split its last two games losing to Florida International on Sunday in straight sets 3-0, and beating North Alabama in straight sets on Monday, 3-0. Both games were played in Tallahassee at Tully Gymnasium.
Against FIU, Florida State was down 16-8 in the first set, before fighting back to cut the FIU lead to two, at 19-17. FIU closed out the match 25-22 after a fierce comeback led by senior outside hitter Kyleene Filimaua. Filimaua led Florida State with 10 kills and 8 digs on the day.
After being down 9-6 in the second set, FIU came back to tie Florida State 14-14, and again at 17-17. From there FIU would go on to score six straight points, followed by Florida State then scoring five straight points. FIU was strong in the end, winning 25-23.
For the second straight set Florida State took the early lead 5-2. FIU went on a run, scoring four straight points before taking the lead 15-10. FIU won the third set 26-25, and earned the 3-0 sweep.
North Alabama
Prior to Monday's match North Alabama had been undefeated at 10-0, and had only lost two sets all season.
Florida State jumped ahead 7-2 early in the first set and never looked back. North Alabama kept it close and was down two, 16-14, but Florida State scored five of the next six points, and won 25-18.
In the second set the first five plays were three consecutive points for Florida State, followed by two consecutive blocks for Florida State. Even with the strong start by Florida State, North Alabama brought the game to a 7-7 tie.Florida State then went on to score six of the next seven points scored, and won the set 25-18.
North Alabama fought hard to not get swept. The third set was tied 9-9, before North Alabama took a 16-11 lead. Florida State went on a 6-2 run before tying the game 18-18. With a 24-21 lead Kpea would score on a kill, giving Florida State the win 25-21, and the sweep.
Filimaua led all players with 17 kills. Freshman outside hitter Sofia Moss tied a career high with 14 kills, and added 10 digs.
Up Next
Florida State will play their arch rival Florida Gators (7-1) on September 18, at Tully Gymnasium. Ranked No.10 in the country, this is the only ranked team left on Florida State's schedule. The match starts at 7 p.m.
Since 2009 Florida State is 5-15 against their rivals. This season Florida has already beaten No. 11 Minnesota and No. 20 Baylor.
