New College of Florida Volleyball suffered a 3-0 loss to No. 22 St. Thomas University on Saturday afternoon in Miami Gardens.
The Mighty Banyans pushed the Bobcats in each of the opening two sets before St. Thomas completed the sweep 25-23, 27-25, 25-21.
NCF moved to 10-3 overall and 2-2 in Sun Conference play with the loss.
HOW IT HAPPENED
NCF recorded 13 kills in the opening set, but St. Thomas held off the Mighty Banyans for a narrow 25-23 victory.
The second set featured 10 ties and five lead changes as the teams battled into extra points. NCF posted its strongest offensive performance of the match, recording 13 kills while hitting .200, but the Bobcats prevailed 27-25 to take a 2-0 lead.
The Mighty Banyans attempted to extend the match in the third set, using their service game to remain within striking distance. St. Thomas closed out the sweep with a 25-21 victory.
Soraya Nacero led NCF with nine kills and four service aces, finishing with a team-high 13 points.
Wiktoria Telecka added eight kills and two service aces while hitting .235. Madison Goin recorded six kills, three aces and a solo block, while Katelyn Pulver contributed five kills on a team-high .375 hitting percentage.
Addison Phillippe distributed a team-high 18 assists and collected five digs. Valentina Bozzato added nine assists and one service ace.
THE TURNING POINT
After St. Thomas narrowly captured the opening set, NCF had an opportunity to even the match during a tightly contested second frame.
The Mighty Banyans battled through 10 ties and five lead changes, but the Bobcats prevailed 27-25 in extra points. St. Thomas carried the 2-0 advantage into the third set and completed the sweep.
BY THE NUMBERS
15
Service aces recorded by the Mighty Banyans.
10
Ties during the second set.
9
Team-high kills recorded by Nacero.
18
Assists distributed by Phillippe.
5
Team blocks recorded by NCF.
MATCH STAT LEADERS
Kills: Soraya Nacero - 9
Assists: Addison Phillippe - 18
Digs: Wiktoria Telecka and Addison Phillippe - 5
Service Aces: Soraya Nacero and Khalia Horta - 4
Total Blocks: Katelyn Pulver and Valentina Bozzato - 1.5
Total Points: Soraya Nacero - 13.0
UP NEXT: NCF returns home Wednesday to host Warner University at 7 p.m. at Bradenton Christian School.
