SCF VB Falls in Conference Openers

Panama/Pensacola, Fla - The SCF volleyball team (4-7, 0-2 Sun Lakes South) fought hard in their first two matches in Sun Lakes Conference play, but it was ultimately not for them as they fell to #18 Gulf Coast State College (7-0, 3-0 Sun Lakes North) 3-2 (25-21, 21-25, 23-25, 25-23, 12-15) in Panama City before being swept 3-0 (24-26, 26-28, 15-25) against Pensacola State College (6-3, 2-1 Sun Lakes North) in Pensacola.

SCF vs #18 GCSC:

The Manatees first match was hard fought as they fought hard against the Commordores to claim the first set and tie the match after winning the fourth set, but miscommunication was costly as the Commodores managed to hold the fifth set for the win.

Two players lead the offense while two freshmen had a double-double in the match. It was freshman Bella Rebimbas that the Manatees offense in the first match as she finished with her first collegiate double-double of a season-high 16 kills and 16 digs to go along with an assist and four blocks. Sophomore Lana Sandanom would follow with 14 kills, one aces, six digs and two blocks, while freshman Haylee Rhoads rounded out the offense with nine kills, seven digs, one ace and four blocks.

Freshman Kendall Steinert posted her fourth double-double of the season with 45 assists and 16 digs to go along with five kills, one ace and one block. It was her second match with 40+ assists.

Defensively, aside from four blocks apiece from Rebimbas and Rhoads, sophomores Shelby McGee and Lison Stoffel and freshman Shelby Pillow lead the defense. McGee would lead with 22 digs, four assists and one kill, while Stoffel added a career-high 15 digs, three assists and three aces and Pillow added four blocks to go along with six kills.

Freshmen Caelen Cook (seven kills, one assist and five digs), Rachel Carroll (six digs, two assists and one ace) and Bailey Perry (six digs) also contributed in the match.

SCF vs Pensacola State:

The first two set were complete dog fights as both teams would go to the limit, but the Pirates would take both sets before completing the sweep.

Sandanom would lead the offense against the Pirates as she finished with 10 kills, one dig and one block, while Pillow would follow with nine kills, two digs and three blocks. Rebimbas, Rhoads and Cook each finished with seven kills apiece. Rebimbas added eight digs, one ace, one assist and two blocks, while Rhoads added four digs, one assist and one block.

Steinert would lead the passing game with 37 assists, three aces, two kills and six digs.

Defensively, aside from Pillow's blocking, three Manatees had double digit digs. Stoffel, who was the libero, lead the way surpassing her career-high with 18 digs, two assist and one ace. Carroll followed with a season-high 11 digs, while McGee rounded out with 10 digs and one assist.

Sun Lakes Standings:

North -

1. #18 Gulf Coast State (7-0, 3-0)

2. #17 St. John's River State (7-3, 2-0)

3. Pensacola State (6-3, 2-1)

4. FSCJ (1-1, 1-1)

5. Lake Sumter State (4-4, 1-1)

South - 

1. Pasco-Hernando (4-7, 1-1)

2. South Florida State (2-3, 1-2)

3. Palm Beach State (1-3, 1-2)

4. SCF (4-7, 0-2)

5. St. Pete (1-4, 0-2)

Up Next:

The Manatees will have five straight home matches at Hal Chasey Gymnasium as they will first welcome the Webber International University JV team Tuesday night, September 6 at 6 pm.