September 18, 2015

Gainesville, FL – The NJCAA #18/FCSAA #3 Santa Fe Saints started their day off in a big way on Friday in Miami, picking up a hard fought five set victory over NJCAA #6 Missouri State University – West Plains.  After a 30 minute break, they were back on the court, this time against #14 Polk State Colleges.  The Eagles played well against SF, defeating the Saints (10-2) in four sets, handing them just their second loss of the season.

Santa Fe took the first set against West Plains 25-21, but then dropped the next two 22-25 and 30-32 to fall behind 2-1.  The Saints rallied in the fourth for a 25-19 to force a fifth and deciding set.  The Grizzlies grabbed control of the fifth set, and found themselves within striking distance of a win at 13-11.  The patented fifth set Saints magic kicked in at just the right time, and SF fought back for the next four points and a 15-13 victory, sealing the match.

Polk State was swept quickly in their first match of the day by Daytona State, but bounced back against Santa Fe for a four set win (19-25, 25-20, 12-25, 15-25).

"We blocked well all day and that continues to be a factor in our success," said SF Coach Nick Cheronis.  "Now we need to find some consistency on our offense."

Kaylin Powell set a school record in the West Plains match, accumulating 13 blocks.  Sheyanne Sullivan added eight blocks of her own, and Jane Early had seven.  Nadine Williams led the offense with 13 kills, and Powell and Julie Fuchs had 12 each.

Against Polk, Meraiah Hill continued the block party, picking up a career high eight, and Kasey Valentin had a team high 18 digs.

The Saints will continue in the Miami Dade College Tournament on Saturday when they take on hosts MDC at 12:00 PM and Palm Beach State Colege at 4:00 PM.

For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com. 

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