MONACA, Pa. (Aug. 30, 2024) - Florida National's volleyball team (5-1) posted two solid performances at the USCAA Tip-Off hosted by Penn State University Beaver. FNU didn't drop a single set, handing Carlow University (1-1) and Penn State Greater Allegheny (0-2) 3-0 losses at the Gary B. Keefer Wellness Center in Monaca, Pa.

In game one, the Carlow Celtics allowed the Conquistadors at least 10 kills per set while only generating 17 total kills in the match. Layla Cortez slammed five kills in the opening frame, and Ariana Long joined the scoring party with four. Sofia Moreno Bendala was a defensive machine, collecting two assisted blocks, one solo block, and a kill in FNU's 25-11 victory.

After taking a 1-0 lead, Florida National kept its foot on the gas. They rolled past the Celtics in set two 25-16. Ivette Sandoval recorded six assists to eager FNU attackers, while the Celtics had seven attack errors in the frame. Cortez had two block assists, while Long, Taylor Purdy and Sandoval all had service aces heading into the third. FNU claimed the game with a 25-12 win in set three, which featured three service aces by Sara Lizano Joya. Carlow had four kills and seven attack errors down the stretch and FNU cruised to its fourth win of 2024. 

Game two was another impressive showing for the Conquistadors. They collected 25-10 wins in three sets versus PSU Greater Allegheny. The Lions had nine kills in the entire contest and recorded a -.104 kill percentage.

FNU had 16 kills in the opening set, three off the hand of Long. The Conquistadors dominated the ball, earning Kitula Amaya Morales eight straight service attempts before PSU regained possession. A kill by Juliana Santos ended the frame for the Conquistadors, sending the Lions back to their bench in search of some kind of answer to FNU's juggernaut offense that did not come.

The Conquistadors continued to pile on the points, tallying 27 kills over the last two frames to just six for PSU. Elis Cordova Millet was a driving force in this run, posting seven kills along with Moreno Bendala and Morales. Purdy put in work with 12 digs and Sandoval posted a team-high 18 assists. 

Up Next: FNU awaits the USCAA Tip-Off semi-final match tomorrow at 4 p.m. with a chance to play for the tournament title at 6 p.m.