Volleyball Continues Strong Start in Conference Play

Leesburg, Fla. – Coming off a week in which the Lake-Sumter State College volleyball team swept the weekly regional awards, LSSC continued their hot start against South Florida State.

The Lakehawk's week started Wednesday on the road in Avon Park against SFSC. With a perfect 2-0 Sun-Lakes Conference record on the line, LSSC jumped out to an early lead with a 25-19 set one victory.

Set two was a different story as the Lady Panthers battled back in a tight contest to even things up at one set a piece after a 25-21 win. It was set three where the Lakehawks put their ability on full display with an impressive 25-12 defeat of SFSC. With a one set advantage, and the opportunity to close out the match, LSSC fell short, 25-20, in set four. Sending the contest to a decisive fifth and final set.

A back and forth battle ensued with neither team taking more than a two point lead throughout the set. In the end, the Lakehawk offense was able to hit a few key shots down the stretch to take the fifth set, 15-13, and remain unbeaten in conference play.

Two double-double performances from Emma Gray and Talyn Allard were a big boost for LSSC. Gray finished with 16 kills and 12 digs while Allard totaled 18 digs and 15 kills. Grabriela Hernandez tossed up 48 assists in five sets, with Amanda Berecz recording 21 digs.

Next on the schedule were back-to-back matches with NJCAA Div. I affiliate programs. Santa Fe and Indian River played in Lake-Sumter's tri match over the weekend. Early in the season, the Saints swept LSSC in three straight sets. This time around the Lakehawks were able to take the third set, but fell 3-1.

Indian River was also a rematch from earlier in the year. Previously, the Pioneers took down Lake-Sumter at the Pasco-Hernando Invitational, 3-1. Although each match was competitive, the Lakehawks lost in three sets (25-20, 25-22, 25-10).

LSSC moves their overall record to 6-7 and their conference record remains 3-0. Wednesday will mark the toughest task so far this season with the Lakehawks on the road against No. 6 Pasco-Hernando. The game will take place in New Port Richey and is slated to begin at 6 pm.