SCF Softball Sweeps South Florida State

Bradenton, Fla - The SCF softball team (6-16, 6-16 Sun Lakes) were able to snap out of their nine-game losing streak as they swept South Florida State (10-34, 3-19 Sun Lakes) 19-11 and 14-4 both my the mercy rule.

"I thought we did a fantastic job," said head coach Brett Sauerwein. "It was the best we hit the ball all season and I’m proud of each one of them. The focus for Pasco Hernando is to keep hitting the ball, that’ll be the key to our success and clean up the defense a little bit."

"I thought our team played good," said freshman Bri Thies. "We were all playing to our best ability. Everyone was relaxed and played how we were supposed to."

"I thought we did great today," said freshman Kierstyn Aumua. "The bats were on fire and our defense was working hard to support our pitchers who did awesome on the mound. We had each other's backs and picked each other up when we needed to, which is why we won."

Game One:

Sauerwein sent freshman A'Lana Martinez (3-7, 11.25 ERA) to start game one, while South Florida State head coach Carlos Falla went with freshman Joey Gray (1-4, 2.97 ERA) to counter.

The Panthers would open on the board first at the top of the first after freshman Deanna Ross scored on an error. The Manatees however would respond in the bottom half of the inning beginning. After A. Martinez and freshman Kaitlyn Shea hit back to-back singles and each stole second, Aumua would send a single to center and bring in A. Martinez and Shea for a 2-1 lead. Thies and freshman Brooke-Lynn Hilderbrand would then hit back-to-back singles to load the bases before freshman Joni Taylor and sophomore Kamryn Martinez brought in Aumua and Thies with back-to-back sacrifice flies and freshman Josie Alderson brought in Hilderbrand with an RBI single to make it 5-1 SCF.

At the top of the second, the Panthers would add another run as sophomore Kylah Davis would hit an RBI single, but the Manatees would once again respond in the bottom half of the inning. After A. Martinez reached first on a fielding error, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch, Shea would bring her in with an RBI infield single before stealing second herself. One batter later, Thies would bring in Shea with a double to center to make it 7-2 SCF.

The Panthers would cut the Manatees' lead to 7-6 at the top of the third after RBI singles by Gray, Davis and Ross, but the Manatees would counter in the bottom half of the inning and increase the lead to 9-6 after A. Martinez brought in Alderson with an RBI double before scoring off of a Shea RBI single. 

The Panthers would bring in another run off of an RBI single by Gray at the top of the fourth, but the Manatees would answer back in the bottom half of the inning as Aumua would send a solo home run to left for her second of the season. After back-to-back singles by Hilderbrand and Taylor, K. Martinez would bring in Hilderbrand with a single to center before Filla sent sophomore Alexandra Messina to the mound for Gray. After Alderson loaded the bases with a single before freshman Juliana Hess grounded into a fielder's choice with two outs, A. Martinez would showoff her wheels as she cleared the bases with a triple to right-center to bring in K. Martinez, Alderson and Hess to make it 14-7 SCF.

The Panthers would add their final runs of the game at the top of the fifth and try to cut the lead to 14-11 after a run scored on a fielding error and two RBI singles by freshmen Alexa Marin and Aziya Patterson.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Manatees would rally to put the finishing touches on the game beginning with a leadoff single by Aumua before Thies brought her in with a double. After a Hilderbrand single and K. Martinez getting hit by a pitch to load the bases, Alderson would send a single to left to bring in Thies before Hess brought in Hilderbrand with a sacrifice fly. After A. Martinez drew a walk to reload the bases, Shea would be the hero and send a single to center to bring in K. Martinez and Alderson to seal the victory.

A. Martinez would improve to 4-7 after throwing a five inning complete game, giving up 11 runs (three earned) on 12 hits with four walks and one strikeout. She was also 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBI, three runs, one walk and two stolen bases.

Gray would fall to 1-5 after giving up 13 runs (12 earned) on 15 hits with two strikeouts in three and a third innings, while going 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs. Messina would give up six runs on seven hits with one walk one and a third innings of relief.

Apart from A. Martinez, five Manatees had a multi-hit game. It was Shea (4-for-5) and Alderson (4-for-4) that lead the way in hitting as they each had four hits. Shea added four RBI, two runs and two stolen bases, while Alderson added three runs and two RBI.

Aumua (3-for-4), Thies (3-for-4) and Hilderbrand (3-for-4) would round out the order with three hits each. Aumua would add three RBI and three runs, while Thies added two RBI and two runs and Hilderbrand added three runs.

Taylor (1-for-3, one RBI) and K. Martinez (1-for-2, two RBI and two runs) had the remaining hits and Hess (one run and one RBI) also contributed in the game.

Game Two:

Looking to secure the doubleheader sweep, Sauerwein sent Hilderbrand (1-9, 10.40 ERA) to start the second game, while Falla went with freshman Nicole Rivera (2-6, 4.39 ERA).

The Panthers would get on the board at the top of the first after an RBI single by freshman Elena Quinones, but the Manatees would respond in the bottom half. After A. Martinez (single), Shea (walk) and Aumua (single) loaded the bases, Thies would single to right to bring in A. Martinez and Shea. Two batters later, K. Martinez would ground into a fielder's choice to bring in Aumua to make it 3-1 SCF.

At the top of the second, the Panthers would tie the game at 3-3 after and RBI single by freshman Samara Singh and a sacrifice fly by Grey. The Manatees would then regain the lead in the bottom half of the inning after an RBI single by Thies brought in Shea.

The Panthers would add their final run at the top of the third to tie the game at 4-4 after an RBI double by Marin, but the Manatees would once again regain the lead with a big inning beginning with K. Martinez getting hit by a pitch. One batter later, Hess would draw a walk before A. Martinez hit an RBI single to bring in K. Martinez. After Shea (walk) and Aumua (reached on an error) loaded the bases, Thies would show her power and send a grand slam to center for her first collegiate home run and first collegiate grand slam to make it 10-4 SCF.

"I felt calm," said Thies on her first collegiate home run. "I knew I needed to get a hit, so I relaxed and did the best I could. It felt amazing in the end. The contact and everything just felt good.

The Manatees would then put their final runs on the board in the bottom of the fourth. After K. Martinez hit a single and Alderson reached on a fielder's choice, Hess would send a single to right and bring in K. Martinez. After A. Martinez drew a walk to load the bases before Shea reloaded the bases on a fielder's choice, Aumua would send a double to center and clear the bases to make it 14-4 SCF before sealing the victory.

Hilderbrand would improve to 2-9 after throwing a five-inning complete game, giving up four runs on nine hits with two walks.

Rivera would fall to 2-7 after giving up 13 runs (eight earned) on eight hits with three walks and one strikeout in three and a third innings. Sophomore Megan Bint would give up one run on one hits with one walk in two-thirds of an inning of relief.

Three Manatees had a multi-hit game for game two. It was Thies that would be the overall leader in the game as she went 3-for-4 with a grand slam, one stolen base and seven RBI while finishing 6-for-8 with home run and nine RBI. Aumua would follow going 2-for-4 with three RBI and three runs and would finish the doubleheader 5-for-8 with a home run and six RBI.

"As we're nearing the end of the season, I definitely fell more comfortable at the plate now than I did in the beginning," said Aumua. "For me, the biggest thing is just trusting all the extra reps I take on my own before and after practice will pay off and it did today, so I'm glad I hit well."

"Bri and Kierstyn are at the heart of the lineup for a reason," said Sauerwein on Thies and Aumua. "They have been producing well in those spots. They both have a ton of power and I'm glad they picked pitches to hit that they could drive."

A. Martinez would out the order going 2-for-3 with two RBI, three runs and one walk. K. Martinez (1-for-2, one RBI and two runs) and Hess (1-for-2, one RBI, two runs, one walk and three stolen bases) had the remaining hits, while Shea (four runs and two walks) also contributed in the game.

Up Next:

The Manatees return to action as they welcome Pasco Hernando State (26-20, 11-9 Sun Lakes) to the SCF SB Complex Tuesday afternoon, April 15 at 4 and 6 pm.

SCF Softball Takes Series Over FSCJ with Split

Jacksonville, Fla. - The SCF softball team (4-8, 4-8 Sun Lakes) were able to take their series over Florida State College at Jacksonville (14-21, 5-7 Sun Lakes) on the road with a split winning game one 6-0 before losing game two 8-7.

Game One:

Head coach Brett Sauerwein sent freshman A'Lana Martinez to the mound to start game one, while FSCJ head coach Sabrina Hartsell sent freshman Alexis Laura to counter.

The first three innings were a pitcher's duel between A. Martinez and Laura. At the top of the fourth, the Manatees would be the ones to get on the board first beginning with a leadoff walk by freshman Joni Taylor. After a double by classmate Bri Thies, Taylor would take the opportunity and score by stealing home. After sophomore Abigayle Smith drew a walk before freshman Brooke-Lynn Hilderbrand moved Thies and Smith into scoring position, sophomore Kamryn Martinez would single to center to bring in Thies before Smith scored after stealing home. After A. Martinez and freshman Josie Alderson drew back-to-back walks before moving to scoring position on a passed ball, Alderson would then score on a second passed ball before freshman Kaitlyn Shea hit an infield single to third to bring in A. Martinez for a 5-0 SCF lead.

The Manatees would add one final run at the top of the sixth as Alderson would score from a Manta Ray error before sealing the win.

A. Martinez would improve to 3-3 after throwing a shutout with eight hits and four walks. She was also 1-for-3 with a run at the plate.

Laura would fall to 4-7 after giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits with five walks and one strikeout in six and two-thirds innings. Freshman Brittani Murray would give up two runs (one earned) with two walks in one-third of an inning of relief.

Theis would lead the way in hitting as she went 2-for-3 with a run and a walk. Shea (1-for-3, one RBI and one stolen base), K. Martinez (1-for-4, one RBI) and Alderson (1-for-1, two runs and two walks) had the remaining three hits

Game Two:

For game two, Sauerwein sent Hilderbrand to the mound, while Hartsell went with freshman Kailey Walker.

After the first inning went scoreless, the Manatees got on the board first at the second as Alderson drove a single to bring in Hilderbrand. The Manatees would increase their lead at the top of the third beginning with A. Martinez reaching on an error and Shea singling to left. Thies would then make a sacrifice bunt to move the runners in scoring position for freshman Kierstyn Aumua who would bring in A. Martinez and Shea with a single to make it 3-0 SCF.

The Manta Rays would then get on the board in the bottom of the third and tie the game after an RBI single freshman Brooklyn Davis, a bunt single by freshman Peyton Studt and an RBI fielder's choice by freshman Taylor Burton.

The Manatees would retake the lead as Hilderbrand single and second second and third base before stealing home to make it 4-3 before Aumua hit a solo home run to center for her first collegiate home run to make 5-3. The Manta Rays would retake the lead in the bottom half of the inning after a sacrifice fly by Masey Padgett and a two-run single by Riley Page to make it 6-5 FSCJ.

At the top of the sixth, Smith would tie the game with a solo home run to center for her first of the season before Hilderbrand hit an inside the park home run for her first collegiate home run of the season to make it 7-6 to retake the lead. The Manta Rays would eventually win the game in the bottom of the seventh on a walkoff sacrifice fly to win the game.

Hilderbrand would fall to 1-5 after giving up eight runs (five earned) on nine hits with five walks in six innings, while going 2-for-3 at the plate with a home run, two runs and four stolen bases. A. Martinez threw two-thirds of a scoreless inning and went 1-for-4 with a run at the plate

Walker earned a no-decision after she gave up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits with two walks and one strikeout in five and two-third innings. Laura would earn the win and improve to 5-7 after throwing one and a third scoreless innings of relief with one strikeout.

Aumua would be the offensive leader as she went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while Smith rounded out the order going 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI.

Shea (1-for-4, one run) and Alderson (1-for-2, one RBI) had the remaining hits for the Manatees.

Up Next:

The Manatees return to action as they face #2 ranked St. John's River State (31-9, 11-1 Sun Lakes) for their next conference series.

SCF Softball Secures First Win Under New Era

Bradenton, Fla - The SCF softball team (1-3, 1-3 Sun Lakes) were able to pull away with their first win of the 2025 season under a new era and their first win in Sun Lakes Conference play as they defeated South Florida State (3-17, 0-4 Sun Lakes) 9-6 at home.

"I thought the team did a good job of bending, but not breaking," said head coach Brett Sauerwein. "This team is a resilient group and they dug down deep in the sixth inning and refused to lose. It was a great team effort."

Sauerwein sent freshman A'Lana Martinez to start on the mound, while South Florida State head coach Carlos Falla went with Joey Gray to counter.

After the first inning went scoreless, the Manatees would draw on the board first in the bottom of the second. After a double by freshman Kierstyn Aumua and a single by classmate Brooke-Lynn Hilderbrand, freshman Bri Thies would bring in Aumua with a sacrifice fly. One batter later, freshman Josie Alderson would bring home Hilderbrand with a single to left for a 2-0 lead. 

The Panthers would then score their first run at the top of the fourth off of an RBI single by Kylah Davis. In the following inning, they would take a 5-2 lead after an RBI double by Nicole Rivera and RBI singles by Davis, Gray and Grayson Wojcicchon before Ava Matrascia made it 6-2 after an RBI single of her own at the top of the sixth.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Manatees would not lent and put together their biggest rally beginning with a one-out double by sophomore Kamryn Martinez before freshman Joni Taylor sent a double of her own to center to bring in Martinez before classmate Jasmin Huber came in to pinch run. Classmate Kaitlyn Shea then reached base on a Panther error with Huber scoring. After A'Lana Martinez and sophomore Abigayle Smith drew back-to-back walks to load the bases, Aumua would give the Manatees a boost as the Hawaiian would send a single to center to bring in Shea and Alana Martinez to tie the game at 6-6. Hilderbrand would then hit an infield single to bring in Smith before Thies drove in the final runs with a single to left to bring in Aumua and Hilderbrand for a 9-6 SCF lead before sealing the victory.

"The turning point for the team was the patient at-bats we had in the sixth when we put up seven runs in that inning," said Sauerwein. 

A'Lana Martinez would earn the win after throwing a complete game with two strikeouts. She would improve to 1-1 on the year.

"A'Lana did a great job in the circle and keeping us in the game," said Sauerwin on Martinez. "While she comes from a baseball background and didn't pitch in softball for a long time, she was a major factor in this win.

Gray would earn a no-decision after giving up two runs on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts in five innings. Alexandra Messina would fall to 2-4 after giving up seven runs (one earned) on five hits with two walks and one strikeout in one inning of relief.

Four Manatees had a multi-hit game. It was Thies that lead the way offensively as she went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Aumua would follow going 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI and one walk, while Hilderbrand rounded out the order going 2-for-4 with two runs, one RBI and one stolen base.

Shea (1-for-4, one run), Smith (1-for-2, one run and two walks), Kamryn Martinez (1-for-3, one run), Alderson (1-for-3, one RBI) and Taylor (1-for-1, one RBI) had the remaining five hits.

For the Panthers, Davis would lead the way offensively as she went 2-for-2 with two RBI, two walks and a stolen base.

Notes:

• This was the first win under Sauerwein's leadership

"Getting my first win felt great," said Sauerwein. "I give a shoutout to Auria (Mounts) and Nick (Cichielo) for helping me out and believing in me and the future of the program."

Other Sun Lakes Conference Scores:

#3 St John's River State 5, Lake Sumter State 3

Pasco Hernando State 8, Florida Gateway 0 (5)

Sun Lakes Conference Standings:

1. #3 St. John's River State (20-8, 4-0)

2. Pasco Hernando State (13-10, 1-0)

3. Florida Gateway College (15-15, 3-1)

4. Lake Sumter State (8-8, 3-1)

5. SCF (1-3, 1-3) 

6. Florida State College at Jacksonville (7-15, 0-3)

7. South Florida State (3-17, 0-4)

Up Next:

The Manatees will look to go for the sweep against South Florida State with a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, March 1 at 1 and 3 pm at Panther Field in Avon Park.

SCF VB Closes Season

Bradenton, Fla - While their playoffs chances are diminished, the SCF volleyball team (3-10, 3-10 Sun Lakes) will look to close their season with their final two road matches. The Manatees will first return to New Port Richey to take on Pasco Hernando State (12-11, 10-4 Sun Lakes) at the PHSC Gymnasium Wednesday night, October 30 at 6 pm before taking on St. Pete (10-8, 8-6 Sun Lakes) at the St. Pete Gibbs Campus Gymnasium Thursday afternoon, October 31 at 4 pm.

Last Time Out:

The Manatees are coming off of their last three games on the road where they went 1-2. They would defeat Lake Sumter State 3-2 before falling to 3-2 to Florida State College at Jacksonville and 3-1 to St. John's River State.

Sophomore Soundoff:

While they were unable to have their 'sophomore day' match against Trinity College, sophomores Jaycie Sheean and Katrina Tallo played key roles for this season as their sophomore seasons wind down. Sheean currently has 96 kills, 14 aces, 56 digs and 13 blocks. In the game against Lake Sumter, She set career-highs in kills (13) and aces (4).

 Tallo has 28 kills, 77 digs and 16 blocks. In the last three matches, she had 28 digs and four kills.

Ultima Weapon:

Freshman Aryanna Spainhower continues to lead the way offensively and defensively for the Manatees. Spainhower currently has 170 kills, 11 aces, 192 digs and 27 blocks while putting together eight double-doubles in kills and digs. In the three matches on the road, Spainhower had a combined 59 kills, five aces, 53 digs and 13 blocks.

AK7 Setting:

Freshman Adasyn Konopka has been on the role since being named the starting setter for the remainder of the season. Konopka currently has 196 assists, 16 kills and 116 digs while putting together five double-doubles of assists and digs. In the last three matches, she had 109 assists, 10 kills and 42 digs, which included a season-high 39 assists against Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Defensive Back Line:

Freshmen Sarah Stouky, Johaliz Colon and Natalie Schwenk have played the back row defense profoundly for serve receive.

Stouky currently has 155 digs, eight aces and 13 digs in her name this season. In the match against St. John's River, she had one of her best outings in serving and defense as she had a season-high 20 digs and four aces.

Colon, who shares rotation with Stouky, currently has 143 digs, 14 assists and eight aces. In the match against St. John's River, she had three aces and 13 digs.

Schwenk, who started in the lineup the last two matches, currently has 116 digs in her name since being bumped up from walk-on to a scholarship player. Schwenk had a combined 34 digs in the last three matches.

Wildberries:

Freshmen Sabrina Calhoun, Ericka Freeman and Lily Shoemaker plays as the wildcards of the team.

Calhoun currently has 45 kills, nine aces, 56 digs and 10 blocks. She had eight kills and 12 digs in the match against St. John's River.

Freeman currently has 35 kills, 28 digs and 21 blocks. She had 13 kills, 11 digs and 13 blocks in the last three matches.

Shoemaker currently has 23 kills, 13 digs and 26 blocks, which included a combined nine blocks in the last three matches.

Scouting Pasco Hernando State:

The Bobcats are coming off of a finishing this past week 3-0 after defeating Lake Sumter 3-1 before shutting out St. John's River and Florida State College at Jacksonville 3-0. They are currently in third place in the standings and secured a spot in the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 State Tournament.

Sophomore Elizabeth McDonald continues to lead the offensive onslaught for the Bobcats as she has 335 kills, 27 aces, 139 digs and 30 blocks.

Scouting St. Pete:

The Titans are coming off of finishing 2-1 in their last three matches where they shutout Florida State College at Jacksonville (3-0) and Lake Sumter (3-0) and lost 3-2 to St. John's River. They secured the final spot in the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 State Tournament.

Redshirt sophomore Ranya Mehta leads the way offensively with 204 kills and 34 blocks.

How to Keep Up:

Both games will air livestream and fans can keep with the Manatees on Twitter.

Livestream Links:

@ Pasco Hernando - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjSJASib7q8

@ St. Pete - https://athletics.spcollege.edu/broadcast/watch

SCF VB Wins Thriller Over Lake Sumter

Leesburg, Fla - After batting two hurricanes and limited practice, the SCF volleyball team (3-8, 3-8 Sun Lakes) pulled off a thrilling battle on the road as they defeated Lake Sumter State (8-11, 3-10 Sun Lakes) 3-2 (25-27, 29-27, 16-25, 25-18, 15-12).

"As a whole, the team played well," said head coach Courtney Bobo-McKenzie. "This week we focused a lot on the mental part of volleyball where we ran drills that built grit, fight and finishing. I believe

The first set became neck and neck with both teams going beyond 25 points, but two back-to-back kills by the Lakehawks gave them the first set. The second set was in similar fashion with kills from freshman Aryanna Spainhower and the set going beyond 25 points, but kills by sophomore Jaycie Sheean and freshman Adasyn Konopka kept the momentum going for the Manatees before they sealed the set after a free-ball kill by sophomore Katrina Tallo.

The third set was in the favor of the Lakehawks despite a trying comeback by the Manatees, but the Manatees would respond in the fourth set as kills by Konopka and Spainhower and a Lakehawk attack error sealed the fourth set for the Manatees and force a fifth set.

Heading into the fifth set, Sheean's serving played a vital role in the beginning as she served back-to-back aces before the Lakehawks secured their first point, but the Manatees would make up from the point with a 6-2 run thanks to kills by Spainhower and freshmen Lily Shoemaker and Ericka Freeman made it an 8-3 set before switching sides. After being up 11-4, the Lakehawks would attempt a comeback of their own and cut the Manatees lead to 13-12, but a final push and a final kill by Sheean would seal the victory for the Manatees.

It would be Spainhower that lead the way offensively as she secured her sixth double-double with a season-high 22 kills and 21 digs. She also added one ace, four assists and a season-high five blocks. Sheean would round out the order with career-highs in kills (13) and aces (4) while adding five digs.

In setting, Konopka would lead the way with her third double-double of the season as she finished with a season-high 35 assists and 14 digs to go along with a season-high seven kills and one block.

Defensively, aside from Spainhower, Stouky and freshman Johaliz Colon would lead the back row with 13 and 12 digs respectively. Stouky added three assists, while Colon added one ace and one assist. In the front row, Freeman and Shoemaker would lead with five and four blocks respectively. Freeman added five kills and six digs, while Shoemaker added three kills.

Tallo (two kills, two assists and nine digs) and freshmen Sabrina Calhoun (two kills, one ace, nine digs and one block) and Natalie Schwenk (seven digs and two assists) also contributed in the game.

Up Next:

The Manatees will continue on the road in the panhandle as they travel to Jacksonville to take on Florida State College at Jacksonville (8-16, 1-11 Sun Lakes) at the FSCJ South Campus Gymnasium Saturday afternoon, October 26 at 4:30 pm.

SCF VB Sweep South Florida State

Avon Park, Fla - The SCF volleyball team (2-7, 2-7 Sun Lakes) were able to secure their first sweep in conference play as they shutout South Florida State (2-10, 1-10 Sun Lakes) 3-0 (25-23, 27-25, 25-20).

"I feel the team, as a whole, were starting to get it," said head coach Courtney Bobo-McKenzie. "We're starting to understand the talent an potential we have when we play together. Everything just seemed to click tonight. The morale was up, the discipline and trust amongst us was there and it worked in our favor. I'm glad we can go on the road and have a 'W' that we really needed."

“I thought we did great,” said sophomore Jaycie Sheean. “We really came together with what we had and killed it. A sweep is definitely what we needed. We've struggled this season with closing sets, so this match was a huge confidence booster. We have to keep the same focus and discipline when we face Palm Beach State tomorrow.”

“I thought the team did very well,” said freshman Natalie Schwenk. “Even though it got close at the end, we stuck together and pushed each other to win as a team. Getting a sweep over South Florida State felt amazing. After only having one win under our belts, securing a second win was a wonderful feeling. I'm hoping it motivates us to push through the rest of the season and take every step we need.

All three sets were high scoring with the Manatees continually taking aces by Sheean and freshmen Aryanna Spainhower and Johaliz Colon. Upon the second set, the Panthers tried to creep up and tie the set at 25 apiece, but back-to-back kills by Sheean and freshman Adasyn Konopka helped the second set for the Manatees.

Heading into the third and final set, the Panthers would once again try to break the Manatees' spirit of taking the match in three sets, but with one final push and final kill by freshman Sabrina Calhoun seal the sweep and the series win over the Panthers.

Spainhower would lead the way offensively as she finished with a double-double of 12 kills and 14 digs to go along with an ace and one block, while Sheean tied Spainhower with a career-high 12 kills, one aces, five digs and one block.

"Switching to the outside from being a right-side hitter all season was a big change," said Sheean. "Nevertheless, I've been executing fairly well and I'm really pleased with how I played today."

Shoemaker and freshman Ericka Freeman rounded out the order with six kills each. Shoemaker lead the way in front row defense with four blocks, three digs and one ace, while Freeman had two blocks and three digs.

In setting, Konopka secured her first collegiate double-double of 28 assists and 10 digs to go along with two kills and one ace.

"Addy definitely stepped it up," said Bobo-McKenzie on Konopka. "Tonight was her first time this season running a 5/1 as the match wen by. Her confidence and connection grow with the hitters and in looking forward to see what she can bring the rest of the season."

In back row defense, apart from Spainhower's digs, sophomore Katrina Tallo lead the way with 15 digs, two blocks and one kill, while freshman Natalie Schwenk had 13 digs and classmate Johaliz Colon had 10 digs, three assists and two aces.

"I felt very confident in my play today," said Schwenk on her performance. "Even though I had a couple of missed balls, having my teammates as well as coach giving me positive motivation really pushed me to do better for them all."

Calhoun (four kills, two aces, one assists, five digs and two blocks) and freshmen Sarah Stouky (one assist and nine digs) and Nora Leonard (two digs) also contributed in the match.

Sun Lakes Conference Standings:

1. #7 Gulf Coast State (14-2, 8-0)

2. RV Palm Beach State (12-3, 7-2)

3. #10 Pensacola State (13-4, 7-2)

4. St. John's River State (13-8, 5-2)

5. Pasco Hernando State (7-10, 6-3)

6. St. Pete (7-6, 5-4)

7. Indian River State (9-7, 5-5)

8. Lake Sumter State (7-7, 2-6)

9. SCF (2-7, 2-7)

10. Florida State College at Jacksonville (5-13, 1-8)

11. South Florida State (2-10, 1-10)

Up Next:

The Manatees will wrap up their three-game road trip as they travel to Lake Worth to take on RV Palm Beach State (12-3, 7-2 Sun Lakes)  at the Elisabeth W. Erling Gymnasium Saturday afternoon, October 5 at 1 pm.

SCF VB Ready for Next Two Matches

Bradenton, Fla - The SCF volleyball team (1-4, 1-4 Sun Lakes) will look to get on the positive side and bounce back in their next two games as they travel to St. Pete to take on St. Pete College (4-5, 2-3 Sun Lakes) at the Gibbs Campus Gymnasium Thursday night, September 19 at 6 pm before returning home at Hal Chasey to take on Pasco-Hernando State (3-10, 2-3 Sun Lakes) Friday night, September 20 at 6 pm.

Sun Lakes Conference Standings:

1.#8 Gulf Coast State (12-2, 6-0)

2. RV Palm Beach State (10-2, 5-1)

3. #9 Pensacola State (11-3, 5-1)

4. St. John's River State (11-7, 3-2)

5. Indian River State (7-5, 3-3)

6. St. Pete (4-5, 2-3)

7. Pasco-Hernando State (3-10 2-3)

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

9. Florida State College at Jacksonville (4-9, 1-4)

10. SCF (1-4, 1-4)

11. South Florida State (1-5, 1-5)

Last Time Out:

The Manatees are coming off of a tough match up this past weekend in the panhandle after falling to #8 Gulf Coast State (then #9) and #9 Pensacola State (then #10) both by a score of 3-0.

Freshman Aryanna Spainhower continues to lead the way offensively and in the back row as she has 49 kills and 73 digs so far. Sophomore Jaycie Sheean follows with 26 kills, two aces, 15 digs and 10 blocks, while freshman Sabrina Calhoun has 22 kills, 19 digs and four blocks.

On the setting side of things, sophomore Morgan McGuire leads the way with 73 assists and 40 digs while freshman Adasyn Konopka follows with 30 assists and 28 digs.

Defensively, aside from Spainhower, freshmen Johaliz Colon (five assists, two aces and 55 digs), Sarah Stouky (seven assists, one ace and 57 digs) and Natalie Schwenk (two aces and 36 digs) play strong in the back row, while sophomore Kat Tallo (nine kills, one aces, 22 digs and 10 blocks) and freshman Immani Brown (six kills, six digs and 11 blocks) run the front row defense.

Scouting St. Pete College:

The Titans are entering the matchup on a three-game losing streak after losing to Palm Beach State (3-2), Gulf Coast State (3-0) and Pensacola State (3-1). They are currently in sixth in the standings.

Redshirt sophomore Rayna Mehta leads the way for the Titans offensively as she has 104 kills, 17 digs and 10 blocks, while freshman Lucy Raines follows with 82 kills and 84 digs. Defensively, sophomore Larianys Serrano Santiago leads with 126 digs and 33 assists, while classmate Ahnika Johnston has 19 blocks and 47 kills.

Prior to playing SCF, the Titans will play Pasco-Hernando State Wednesday night, September 18 at 6 pm.

Scouting Pasco Hernando State:

Like St. Pete, the Bobcats are also entering their match with SCF on a three-game losing skid after falling to Santa Fe (3-2), Gulf Coast State (3-0) and Pensacola State (3-2). They are currently seventh in the standings.

Sophomore Elizabeth McDonald leads the Bobcats with 195 kills, 77 digs and 16 blocks, while Kendyl Okin follows with 103 kills, 15 aces, 33 digs and 38 blocks (12 solo). Defensively, sophmore Mallori Grey leads with 214 digs and 17 assists.

How to Keep Up:

Both matches will air livestream and fans can keep up with both teams on all social media platforms.

Livestream Links:

@ St. Pete - https://athletics.spcollege.edu/broadcast/watch

vs Pasco-Hernando State - https://team1sports.com/scfmanatees/

Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SCFvolleyball

X - https://X.com/SCFVolleyball?s=09

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/volleyball_scf/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

SCF VB Set for Weekend Challenge

Bradenton, Fla. - After securing their first win of the season, the SCF court volleyball team (1-2, 1-2 Sun Lakes) will look to keep their momentum going for their first road trip of the season. The Manatees will travel six hours to the panhandle as they face #9 Gulf Coast State (10-2, 3-0 Sun Lakes) at the Billy Harrison Fieldhouse in Panama City Friday night, September 13 at 7 pm (6 pm central) before traveling to Pensacola to take on #10 Pensacola State (8-3, 2-1 Sun Lakes) at the Hartsell Arena Saturday afternoon, September 14 at 2 pm (1 pm central).

Sun Lakes Conference Standings:

1. Palm Beach State (9-1, 4-0)

2. #9 Gulf Coast State (10-2, 4-0)

3. #10 Pensacola State (8-3, 2-1)

4. Pasco-Hernando State (3-7, 2-1)

5. Indian River State (6-4, 2-2)

6.St. Pete (4-4, 2-2)

7. #25 St. John's River State (9-7, 1-2)

8. SCF (1-2, 1-2)

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

10. Lake Sumter State (4-3, 0-3)

11. Florida State College at Jacksonville (3-8, 0-2)

Last Time Out:

After falling in their first two matches to Indian River State (3-0) and Palm Beach State (3-0), the Manatees are coming off securing their first win of the season and in conference play at home after defeating South Florida State 3-2 in a come from behind victory.

They are currently tied for seventh in conference with Indian River State, but are eighth in the standings overall.

Super Saiyan Built Juggernauts:

The trio of sophomore Jaycie Sheean and freshmen Aryanna Spainhower and Sabrina Calhoun have been leading the offense for the Manatees on attacking.

Since making her debut with the Manatees this year from Purdue University - Northwest, Sheean has became a key part of the their offense. The native of Rockford, Illinois currently has 21 kills, eight digs, seven blocks and one ace. In the match against South Florida State, Sheean had a career-high 10 kills.

Spainhower had one of her best offensive and defensive games in her match with South Florida State as she secured her first collegiate double-double of 16 kills and 25 digs. The local product from Braden River currently has 30 kills, 49 digs, three aces and five blocks. Additionally, Spainhower's 25 digs put her in the FCSAA 25 Dig Club.

Calhoun currently has 18 kills, three aces and 10 digs in her name so far. Against South Florida State, she had 14 kills and three digs in the match.

Libero  Domination:

The freshmen duo of defensive specialists Johaliz Colon and Sarah Stouky have played strongly in the back row. Colon currently has 33 digs and three assists this season, while Stouky currently has 29 digs, five assists. In the match against South Florida State, Colon had 14 digs in her name, while Stouky had 15 digs and three assists.

Mighty Assist:

Sophomore Morgan McGuire plays a strong role at the setter position. McGuire currently has 43 assists, 16 digs and four blocks. She secured her eight career double-double against South Florida State as she had 34 assists and 11 digs.

Freshman Adasyn Konopka also plays a key part in assists as she has 30 assists and 26 digs. Konopka had four assists and seven digs against South Florida State.

Wildcard Status:

Sophomore Katrina Tallo and freshman Natalie Schwenk play as the wildcards of the team.

Tallo currently has five kills, 18 digs and eight blocks. She had a career-high 11 digs in the win over South Florida State.

Schwenk, the lone walk-on on the team, currently has 21 digs and two aces so far. The Pennsylvanian had nine digs and two aces against South Florida State.

Scouting Gulf Coast State:

The Lady Commodores are coming off of 3-0 win over St. Pete College. They are currently second in conference and are ranked #9 in the NJCAA Top 25 National Polls.

Freshman Danna Aguilera leads the offense as she has 146 kills, 11 aces and 119 digs while sophomore Morgan Langley leads the defense with 233 digs and nine aces.

Scouting Pensacola State:

The Lady Pirates are coming off of a 3-0 win over Florida State College at Jacksonville. They are currently ranked #10 in the NJCAA Top 25 National Poll.

Freshman Catie Woolf leads the offense with 110 kills, 12 aces, 79 digs and 12 blocks, while sophomore Maddie Mire leads the defense with 163 digs and 12 aces.

How to Keep Up:

Both games will air livestream and fans can keep up the Manatees on all social media platforms.

Livestream Links:

@ Gulf Coast State - https://www.commodoreproductions.com/live/

@ Pensacola State - https://piratenetwork.live/broadcastevents/

Social Media - 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SCFvolleyball

X - https://X.com/SCFVolleyball?s=09

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/volleyball_scf/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

SCF VB Secures Come From Behind Win vs South Florida State

Bradenton, Fla - The SCF volleyball Team (1-2, 1-2 Sun Lakes) secured their first win of the season and in Sun Lakes Conference play under a new era as they came from behind to defeat South Florida State (0-3, 0-3 Sun Lakes) 3-2 (19-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-19, 15-12).

"Overall, today's game was great," said head coach Courtney Bobo-McKenzie. "We were a little nervous when we first started off, but I'm glad we finally found something that worked. The last two games, we were going through a lot of rotations to see what works for our team and I'm glad we found it and through that we were able to fight and finish. Even though we were down two to three points the last two games, we clicked with the setter/hitter connection and we ended up with the victory in the last three sets."

"I thought the setter/hitter connection was so much better and we meshed together a lot more," said freshman Sabrina Calhoun. "We really worked together and the energy on the court and on the bench was amazing. It was a really great team win overall."

"The first two sets, we did start off too slow to get back into the match for momentum," said freshman Aryanna Spainhower. "From the end of those games, we came back and fought hard to secure the win."

The first set saw the Manatees get into a little bit of trouble as the Panthers took advantage of hitting in the middle. By the second set, the Manatees started mounting some strong defense in the front row thanks to sophomores Katrina Tallo and Jaycie Sheean, but it would be to no avail with the Panthers taking the set.

At the start of the third set, the Manatees would gain their momentum thanks to kills by Calhoun and Spainhower. As the score went 15-13 SCF, Tallo would get the Manatees' rally going behind the line. With her serving and strong attacks by Calhoun and Spainhower, the Manatees would pull off with the third set after a Panther attack error.

In the fourth set, the Manatees got off to a slow start, but Tallo's defense and offense by Calhoun, Spainhower and Sheean kept the Manatees' spark going. When the Manatees tied the score at 16 all, Sheean would put together a 6-0 run before a Calhoun and a Panther attack error gave the Manatees the fourth set and force a fifth.

In the final set, the Manatees struggled briefly as the Panthers tied the set at 11 apiece, but after a timeout by Bobo-McKenzie the Manatees found their momentum as sophomore Morgan McGuire would seal the victory with a final kill in the back right corner for the win.

Three Manatees lead the way offensively. It was Spainhower that would lead the way overall as she secured her first collegiate double-double of 16 kills and 25 digs while also adding one assist and one ace.

"I felt like I played an amazing game," said Spainhower. "Me and my setters did very well, especially when we're running a fast ball down the middle. For getting a double-double, it's obviously really impressive for a game and hope to beat my record now and surpass it."

"I always believed that Aryanna would make a big impact as a local player," said Bobo-McKenzie on Spainhower. "She's a strong player with a lot of energy."

Calhoun would follow with 14 kills, three digs and one ace while Sheean rounded out the order with 10 kills, one ace, four digs and one block.

"I played great," said Calhoun. "While I just came back from an injury, it was great to play and come back out not worrying about getting hurt while playing and being able to execute on the court."

McGuire would secure her eighth career double-double as she finished with 34 assists, 17 digs, two kills, one ace and four blocks (one solo).

"I'm proud that Morgan came in as our sophomore setter for the match," said Bobo-McKenzie on McGuire. "She really showed some leadership and took control of her game."

Defensively, apart from Spainhower and McGuire, Tallo and freshmen Johaliz Colon and Sarah Stouky had 11, 14 and 15 digs respectively with Tallo adding two kills and two blocks, while Colon adding two assists and Stouky adding three assists.

Freshmen Adasyn Konopka (two kills, four assists and seven digs), Natalie Schwenk (two aces and nine digs) and Immani Brown (three kills, two assists, two digs and one block) also contributed in the match.

Notes:

1. This was Bobo-McKenzie's first win as the head coach for the Manatees.

2. With her 25 digs, Spainhower was named on the FCSAA 25 Dig Club.

3. With her 34 assists, McGuire now has 534 career assists and needs 63 more to surpass Sanja Vojnovic (596, 2015) for 17th all-time

Sun Lakes Conference Standings:

1. Palm Beach State (8-1, 3-0)

2. #9 Gulf Coast State (9-2, 3-0)

3. #10 Pensacola State (8-3, 2-1)

4. St. Pete (4-3, 2-1)

5. Pasco-Hernando State (3-7, 2-1)

6. #25 St. John's River State (9-6, 1-1)

7. Indian River State (5-4, 1-2)

8. SCF (1-2, 1-2)

9. Lake Sumter (4-2, 0-2)

10. Florida State College at Jacksonville (3-7, 0-2)

11. South Florida State (0-3, 0-3)

Up Next:

The Manatees will head to the panhandle for their next two games as they travel to Panama City to face #9 Gulf Coast State Friday night, September 13 at 7 pm eastern (6 pm central) before heading to Pensacola to take on #10 Pensacola State Saturday afternoon, September 14 at 2 pm eastern (1 pm central).

SCF VB Opens Season at Home

Bradenton, Fla. - With the 2023 season faded away in the distance, the SCF volleyball team will look to open the 2024 season at home at Hal Chasey Gymnasium as the Manatees welcome Indian River State (4-2) Friday night, September 6 at 5 pm, Palm Beach State (5-1) Saturday afternoon, September 7 at 1 pm and South Florida State Tuesday night, September 10 at 6 pm.  It will be the first time since the 2021 fall season that the Manatees open their season at home.

Last Time Out:

The Manatees are coming off off one of their best seasons since 2014 as they went 14-9 overall with a 6-7 record in the Sun Lakes Conference (5-3 in the south division). They would finish second in their division behind Pasco-Hernando State and qualify for the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 State Tournament where they would shutout Lake Sumter State in the quarterfinals before falling to runner-up Gulf Coast State in the semifinals.

Following the end of their season, then head coach Lynn Burnett would take on a new role as the head coach for court volleyball and beach volleyball at New College of Florida (NAIA) in Sarasota.

Conference/Rule Changes:

The Sun Lakes Conference will go amongst another change this year as Indian River State will move their volleyball program to division two after dropping their women's basketball program this upcoming year. Additionally, because the number of teams expanded, the Sun Lakes will now be one full conference instead of being separated into two divisions. Additionally, all teams will be allowed to have up to two liberos per team.

The conference for division one and division two will be as listed:

Citrus Conference -

Florida Southwestern State

Miami Dade

Polk State

Daytona State

Santa Fe

Eastern Florida State

Hillsborough

Sun Lakes -

SCF

St. Pete

South Florida State

Palm Beach State

Gulf Coast State

Pensacola State

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Pasco-Hernando State

Indian River State

St. John's River State

Lake Sumter State

New Leader of the Pack:

After the departure of Burnett, a nationwide search took place to find a new head coach for the Manatees and in a successful move, the new head coach was decided: Courtney Bobo-McKenzie.

Bobo-McKenzie, a native of Tampa, joins the Manatees after four seasons being the head coach for Sumner High School in Tampa.

McKenzie is joined by assistant coach Eunyce Vercosa. Vercosa, a native of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Vercosa, joined the Manatees in September 2023 as an assistant coach for the beach volleyball program before she was promoted to be the head coach where she helped the Manatees to a third-place finish in the NJCAA National Beach Volleyball Championship in May. She is also the current head coach for Premium Beach Volleyball Academy in St. Petersburg, Be Volleyball Academy, INC and Manatee High School. 

Additionally, Vercosa is a current beach volleyball player professionally in the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) where she has participated in numerous beach tournaments in Brazil and the US as well as several FIVB tournaments in Russia, Korea, Mexico and China with her highest finish being ninth on two occasions.

Bring in The Newcomers:

The Manatees will be without 12 players as they have graduated and/or continued playing volleyball collegiately: Bailee Perry, Kloe Pinto, Amee Beedle, Alannah McCaughey, Rachel Carroll, Elise Bakken, Isabella Rebimbas, Teresa Briefeneder, Shelby Pillow, Caelan Cook, Katie Keefe and Emily Lyons.

Despite that, Bobo-McKenzie was able to bring in nine newcomers to join the Manatees for the 2024 season.

Johaliz Colon:

A defensive specialist/setter from Davenport, Florida, Colon joins the Manatees after graduating from Davenport High School where she was a two-sport athlete playing both volleyball and flag football.

As a member of the flag football team, Colon helped the Broncos to a 5-5 record during her junior year. On the volleyball team, she helped the Broncos in the same year to the semifinals of the FHSAA 5A District Tournament while finishing her lone season with 14 kills, 55 aces, 239 digs and 17 assists before continuing to play at the club level for the Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy.

Prior to Davenport High School, Colon played for Ridge Community High School during her freshman and sophomore years where she had six kills, 45 aces, 350 digs and 37 assists. There she helped the Bolts to appearances in the FHSAA 7A District Tournament.

Sabrina Calhoun:

An outside hitter from Zephyrhills, Florida, Calhoun joins the Manatees after graduating from Zephyrhills High School. As a player for the Bulldogs, Calhoun helped them to three straight appearances in the FHSAA 5A District Tournament.

Adasyn Konopka:

A setter from Riverview, Florida, Konopka joins the Manatees from All-In Volleyball Academy in Brandon, Florida.

Prior to All-In Volleyball Academy, Konopka played at East Bay High School in Gibsonton, Florida where in her lone season (junior year) with the Indians finished with 375 assists, 156 digs, 36 kills, 45 aces and six blocks while leading them to an appearance in the FHSAA 6A District Tournament.

Immani Brown:

A middle blocker from Orlando, Florida, Brown joins the Manatees from Lake Nona Volleyball Academy in Orlando where she helped them to win several tournaments, including a third place finish at club nationals.

During her time with Lake Nona, Brown also graduated from Econ River High School in Orlando, Florida.

Sarah Stouky:

A defensive specialist from Port St. Lucie, Florida, Stouky joins the Manatees after graduating Jensen Beach High School in Jensen Beach, Florida. As a member of the Falcons, Stouky helped them to a 25-6 overall record with a 2-0 record in 5A District 13, which would follow with a trip to the semifinals in the FHSAA 5A Girls Volleyball State Tournament.

Prior to Jensen Beach, Stouky played her first three years at Centennial High School in Port St. Lucie where she was a two-sport athlete playing both indoor volleyball and flag football for the Eagles before transferring.

On the flag football team during her freshman year, Stouky played in four games while helping the Eagles to an appearance in the FHSAA 2A Flag Football State Tournament. On the volleyball team, Stouky played four years on varsity where she helped the Eagles to four straight appearances in the FHSAA 7A District Tournament. 

Throughout her high school career, Stouky compiled a combined 901 digs, 125 aces, 254 assists, 1,293 receptions and 25 kills in her high school career.

Aryanna Spainhower:

A local product and outside hitter/setter from Bradenton, Spainhower joins the Manatees after graduating from Braden River High School where she was a three-sport athlete playing court volleyball, beach volleyball and flag football for the Pirates.

On the flag football team, Spainhower played her senior year where she was a wide receiver, linebacker and defensive end. Offensively, she had 68 catches for 851 yards (50.1 yards per game) and 15 touchdowns (12 receiving touchdowns), while defensively she had 44 tackles, one sack and eight interceptions. She would help the Pirates to an 18-2 record (3-0 in districts) and win the FHSAA 1A District Championship before helping them to the FHSAA 1A State Final Four. Additionally, she was named a member of the Herald-Tribune All-Area First Team.

On the beach volleyball team during her sophomore year, she helped the Pirates to an 8-4 overall record (5-3 in districts) while making an appearance in the FHSAA 1A District Tournament.

On the indoor volleyball team, Spainhower would play her junior and senior year on varsity for the Pirates where she finished with 339 kills, 49 aces, 29 blocks (16 solo) and 695 digs while being named a member of Herald-Tribune All-Area First Team. Additionally, she helped the team to two straight regional semifinal appearances in the FHSAA 5A State Volleyball Tournament.

Nora Leonard:

A outside hitter/defensive specialist from Inverness, Florida, Leonard joins the Manatees from Seven Rivers Christian School in Lecanto, Florida where she was a four-sport athlete playing court volleyball, basketball, tennis and softball.

Leonard first volleyball played at Osceola High School in Seminole, Florida for the junior varsity team where she helped the Warriors to a 5-3 overall record before transferring to Seven Rivers Christian School.

On the basketball team in her sophomore year at Seven Rivers Christian, Leonard played in 22 games for the Warriors where she averaged 0.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 0.6 steals per game while helping them to an appearance in the FHSAA 2A State Tournament.

On the softball team in her sophomore year, Leonard played in 11 games where she batted .143 with two hits, three runs and two RBI while helping them to an appearance in the FHSAA 2A State Softball Tournament.

On the tennis team for her junior and senior year, Leonard helped them to an appearance in the FHSAA 1A Districit Tournament her senior year.

For the volleyball team at Seven Rivers Christian, Leonard played three years on varsity where she finished with 122 kills, 74 aces, 11 blocks (four solo) and 428 digs while leading the Warriors to three straight appearances in the FHSAA 2A District 9 Tournament. Her junior year was her most productive as she finished with 73 kills, 42 aces and 195 digs.

Lily Shoemaker:

A middle blocker/right side hitter from Valrico, Florida, Shoemaker joins the Manatees from Bloomingdale High School in Valrico. As a member of the Warhawks, she played her senior where she finished with 102 kills, 40 blocks (22 solo), 31 digs and two assists while leading them to the final in the FHSAA 5A District 10 Tournament.

Natalie Schwenk:

A libero/defensive specialist from Reading, Pennsylvania, Schwenk joins the Manatees as a walk-on after graduating from Exeter Township High School in Reading, Pennsylvania. As a member of the Eagles, Schwenk helped them to the semifinals of the Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Association (BCIAA) girls volleyball tournament.

Key Returners:

Bobo-McKenzie was able to also bring back three returners to help the newcomers out: Katrina Tallo, Morgan McGuire and Jaycie Sheean.

Tallo, a middle blocker/right side hitter and local product from Sarasota, finished her freshman year with 42 kills, 17 assists, eight aces, 46 digs and 29 blocks (eight solo).

McGuire, a setter from Brandon, Florida finished her first year with 491 assists, 11 kills, 28 aces and 199 digs. Additionally, she put up seven double-doubles in assists and digs.

Sheean, a middle blocker/right side hitter from Rockford, Illinois, joined the Manatees after transferring from the University of Purdue - Northwest (NCAA II) last season where she sat out and utilized a medical redshirt.

Scouting Indian River State:

Indian River State is coming off of finishing last season 7-16 overall with a 1-13 record in the Citrus Conference before they dropped down to the Sun Lakes Conference this year. They are lead by first-year head coach Erin Ergle, who was the assistant coach for Indian River State last season.

The Pioneers are coming off of opening their first six matches of the 2024 season.  At the Viking Invitational in Leesburg, they would sweep Bishop State Community College (3-1), USC Lancaster (3-0), #16 Cape Fear Community College (3-0) and College of Southern Maryland (3-0) before falling in their home opener to Hillsborough (3-2) and Santa Fe (3-2). Prior to facing SCF, they will face Pasco-Hernando State Wednesday night, September 4.

Sophomore Katejion Robinson leads the way in offense and front row defense as she has 78 kills, nine aces, 59 digs and 13 blocks. Freshmen Amelia Langelier (48 kills, 12 digs and eight blocks) and Camryn Childers (47 kills, 13 aces and 60 digs) follow Robinson's offense, while classmate Maya Rhamy (18 assists and 95 digs) and rising sophomores Hannah St. Croix (29 kills, eight aces, 12 digs and 13 blocks) lead the defense.

Overall, the Manatees are 14-4 against the Indian River State. Last time both teams met was during the 2021 season where they split with the Manatees winning the first match 3-0 (forfeit) and losing the second match 3-0.

Scouting Palm Beach State:

Palm Beach State is coming off of finishing last season 6-16 overall with a 6-7 record in the Sun Lakes Conference. They would finish third behind SCF and fail to make the NJCAA Region 8/FCSAA DII State Volleyball Tournament, despite being the host of the tournament. The team is lead by head coach Drew Colvin, who enters his 18th season with the program and ninth as the head coach.

The Panthers are coming off off opening their season at the Viking Invitational in Palatka where they would sweep Monroe College (3-1), College of Southern Maryland (3-0), Bishop State Community College (3-2) and USC Lancaster (3-2) before splitting a doubleheader in Fort Pierce after defeating Santa Fe (3-2) before being swept by Hillsborough (3-0). They will play Pasco-Hernando State Wednesday night, September 4 prior to facing SCF.

Sophomore Patrycja Kabala leads the way offensively with 85 kills, 13 aces and 49 digs, while freshman Sophia Soderbeg leads the defense with 105 digs

Overall, the Manatees are 15-21 against the Panthers. In their last series, the Manatees swept Palm Beach State at home and on the road both by a score of 3-1.

Scouting South Florida State:

The Panthers are coming off of finishing last season 5-11 overall with a 3-10 record in the Sun Lakes Conference. They would finish fourth overall in the standings and would not qualify for the state tournament. 

The team is lead by head coach Kim Crawford, who enters her 22nd season as head coach. Key returners for the Panthers include Kelsey Dodd (39 assists, 12 aces and 282 digs; All-Sun Lakes First Team), Ce'Mone Jose (62 kills, 17 digs and 41 blocks) and Danielle Worthy (68 kills, 27 digs and 53 blocks).

Prior to playing SCF, the Panthers will take on St. Pete College Wednesday night, Sept 4.

Overall, the Manatees are 32-12 against the Panthers. Last time, both teams split their series with the Manatees winning 3-0 at home before losing 3-0 in Avon Park.

How to Keep Up:

All three matches will will air on the SCF Sports Network and fans can keep up with the Manatees on all forms of social media.

Livestream Link - https://team1sports.com/scfmanatees/?B=1014290

Social Media - 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SCFvolleyball

Twitter - https://twitter.com/SCFVolleyball?s=09

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/volleyball_scf/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Bobo-McKenzie Named Head VB Coach

Bradenton, Fla - Following Lynn Burnett's departure to run the indoor and beach volleyball program at New College of Florida and an extensive search, the SCF volleyball team has officially named Courtney Bobo-McKenzie the head coach.

"Courtney stood out from the beginning due to her experience in NJCAA Region 8 and her ties to Florida volleyball recruiting as a club coach," said athletic director Nick Cichielo. "She has demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm partnered with a calm and decisive demeanor, which I think will translate well to the college level. I look forward to seeing how she develops in her new role."

A native of Brandon, Florida, Bobo-McKenzie joins the Manatees while also working as the head coach for the Florida Elite Volleyball Academy (FEVA) U17 and U18 teams and Sumner High School in Riverview, Florida.

"First, I want to thank Nick (Cichielo) for give me this wonderful opportunity," said Bobo-McKenzie. "Becoming a college coach is something I have wanted since I started my coaching journey after my playing days were over. I am looking forward to working with the team to become the best student-athletes they can possibly be. We will embrace the community while also working hard to become the best team possible. With hard work and dedication, we can accomplish great things this year."

"What I'm looking forward to the most is establishing the talent that comes throughout Florida. I'm also looking for to building and growing the volleyball program."

Bobo-Mckenzie started her volleyball career at Brandon Senior High School (2006-10). After completing her senior year and graduating, she enrolled at Broward College (2010) before transferring to Palm Beach State College (2011-12) the following year where she had 23 kills, one dig and nine blocks. Following her stints with the Seahawks and Panthers, she would enroll at Benedict College (NCAA DII) in Columbia, South Carolina where during her senior year she helped the Tigers to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament while finishing that year with 47 kills, eight aces, 15 digs and 22 blocks.

After Benedict College, she would enroll at the University of South Florida where she received her bachelor's degree in communications before earning her masters in Clinical Mental Health at Webster University. After earning her master's degree, Bobo-McKenzie became a school counselor for the Hillsborough County Public Schools before becoming the head coach for Sumner High School in 2020 where she helped the Stingrays to four straight district tournament appearances in the FHSAA (5A, 6A and 7A).

Bobo-McKenzie will look to build around four returners from last season and lead them to another appearance in states in her SCF coaching debut.

SCF VB Concludes Their Season

Lake Worth Beach, Fla - The SCF volleyball team (14-9) concluded their season for 2023 at the FCSAA/NJCAA DII Region 8 Tournament in Lake Worth Beach as they split their last two matches shutting out Lake Sumter State (15-12) 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 28-26) in the quarterfinals before being shutout by #12 Gulf Coast State (19-5) 3-0 (23-25, 24-26, 17-25) in the semifinals.

#13 Pensacola State (31-3) would defeat Gulf Coast State 3-0 in the finals to qualify for an automatic spot in the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

SCF vs Lake Sumter State:

The first set saw the Manatees getting off to a little rocky start, but after a few modifications, the Manatees were able to take the first set after a Lake Hawk attack error. The second set continue would be have 12 ties and six lead changes, but a final kill from freshman Aleksandra Wrobel would seal the second set for the Manatees.

Heading into the third set, the Lake Hawks would once again scare the Manatees down the stretch after tying the set at 24 apiece before possibly taking the set, but a Lake Hawk net violation would keep the set going to another tie at 26 apiece after a kill by sophomore Isabella Rebimbas before a double block by Wrobel and freshman Teresa Briefender and kill by Wrobel sealed the deal for a Manatee win.

Sophomore Katie Keefe would be the offensive leader of the match as she finished with 13 kills, one assist, two aces, four digs and a block. Rebimbas would follow with nine kills and one dig, while sophomore Bailee Perry rounded out the order with seven kills, one ace, one assist and eight digs.

In setting, freshman Morgan McGuire would finish one dig shy of a double-double as she finished with 32 assists, one kill, one ace and nine digs.

Defensively, Wrobel would lead the back row defense with a career-high 17 digs to go along with six kills, two assists, one ace and two blocks, while Briefender lead the front row defense with three blocks to go along with four kills, one assist and one dig.

Sophomores Kloe Pinto (four digs and one assist), Rachel Carroll (three digs and one assist), Caelan Cook (three kills, two digs and one block) and Emily Lyons (six digs) also contributed in the match.

For the Lake Hawks, sophomore Kaylee Hunt lead the way offensively with 18 kills, two aces, nine digs and two blocks, while classmate Jayden Ponsford lead the defense with 18 digs and one assist. In setting, freshman Emily Warner finished with 25 assists, three kills and five digs.

After SCF's win, #13 Pensacola State shutout St. John's River State (24-13) 3-0 to advance to the semifinals.

SCF vs #12 Gulf Coast State:

The first two sets were nail biters as the Manatees cut the Commodores lead and even took the lead in the second set, but the Commodores would pull it together and seal it before finalizing the third set, despite the Manatees attempting a brief comeback.

Wrobel would lead the way offensively with 10 kills, one ace, six digs and two block. Keefe would follow with six kills, two assists, one ace, seven digs and five blocks, while Perry rounded out the order with five kills, one ace, 10 digs and three blocks.

McGuire would lead the way in setting with 20 assists, four digs and one block, while freshman Elise Bakken would add seven assists and two digs.

Defensively, aside from Keefe's blocks and Perry's digs, Carroll would also lead the back row with 10 digs while sophomore Shelby Pillow added two blocks and three kills.

Rebimbas (three kills), Briefender (two kills), Cook (two kills, one ace and three digs) and Lyons (two digs) also contributed in the final match.

After SCF's loss, Pasco Hernando (14-10), who were the #1 seed that received a first round bye, would fall to Pensacola State by a score of 3-0.

Notes:

Following the end of the tournament, Wrobel and Keefe were named as members to the FCSAA DII All-Tournament Team.

Up Next:

The Manatees will look to focus on beach volleyball season for 2024 spring semester.

We thank all of our sophomores, coaches and support staff for their contributions to this season and we also wish Pensacola State the best of luck in route to Iowa for nationals.

SCF VB Takes Home Conference Awards

Lake Worth, Fla - While the SCF volleyball team (13-8) prepare for their goal of winning the FCSAA DII State Championship, three of the players secured yearly honors for their hard work on the court. Freshman Aleksandra Wrobel would secure a spot on the All-Sun Lakes South Division First Team, while sophomore Caelan Cook and Katie Keefe would land a spot on the All-Sun Lakes South Division Second Team. Additionally, Wrobel would secure a spot on the All-FCSAA DIIAll-NJCAA Region 8 Team.

Wrobel, a native of Poland, finished her part of the regular season with 164 kills, 16 aces, 108 digs and 20 blocks.

Keefe, a native of London, England and a transfer from the Stetson University beach volleyball team has 114 kills, 14 aces, 105 digs and 23 blocks. After this season, Keefe will be transferring to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona for beach volleyball.

Cook earns her first conference award in her collegiate career. Currently, the native of Indian Harbour Beach has 108 kills, 16 aces, 89 digs and 18 blocks. Throughout her two years with the Manatees, Cook has 300 kills, 18 aces, 181 digs and 35 blocks.

The Manatees will look to keep their postseason dreams alive as they will open the championship tournament in the quarterfinals against Lake Sumter State (15-11).

Sun Lakes Player of the Year: Kiara Vega (Pensacola State)

All-Sun Lakes North Division First Team:

Izzy Denton (Gulf Coast State)

Kaylee Hunt (Lake Sumter State)

Jaiden Rogers (Gulf Coast State)

Anyaliz Rodriguez (Pensacola State)*#

Gianna San Filippo (St. John's River State)*

Kiara Vega (Pensacola State)*

All-Sun Lakes North Division Second Team:

Annabell Chancy (Gulf Coast State)

Cadence Goeden (Pensacola State)

Lauren Herz (St. John's River State)

Martina Soler Marti (Florida State College at Jacksonville)

Maddie Mire (Pensacola State)

Yarelis Lopez Osorio (Lake Sumter State)#

All-Sun Lakes South Division First Team:

Kylie Ciani (Pasco Hernando State)*

Kelsey Dodd (South Florida State)

Patrycja Kabala (Palm Beach State)

Elizabeth McDonald (Pasco Hernando State)*

Zuzanna Michalska (Palm Beach State)

Aleksandra Wrobel (SCF)*

All-Sun Lakes South Division Second Team:

Ashlyn Banton (Palm Beach State) #

Caelan Cook (SCF)

Haley Ebbert (Pasco Hernando State)

Isabella Griefenstein (Pasco Hernando State) #

Ahnika Johnston (St. Pete College)

Katie Keefe (SCF)

All-FCSAA DIIAll-NJCAA Region 8:

Kylie Ciani (Pasco Hernando State)*

Izzy Denton (Gulf Coast State)

Kelsey Dodd (South Florida State)

Kaylee Hunt (Lake Sumter State)

Elizabeth McDonald (Pasco Hernando State)*

Zuzanna Michalska (Palm Beach State)

Yarelis Lopez Osorio (Lake Sumter State)

Jaiden Rogers (Gulf Coast State)

Anyaliz Rodriguez (Pensacola State)*

Gianna San Filippo (St. John's River State)*

Kiara Vega (Pensacola State)*

Aleksandra Wrobel (SCF)*

*Denotes as a unanimous decision

#Denotes as a two-time selection

Dulcie 'Cookie' Stevens Player of the Year: Kiara Vega (Pensacola State)

SCF Volleyball Set for FCSAA Tournament

Bradenton, Fla - The SCF volleyball team (13-8) will look to keep their dreams alive and running to go national bound, but in order for them to do that, they must face their current challenge this week as they will travel to Lake Worth to participate in the two-day FCSAA DII/ South Atlantic District Volleyball Championship Tournament at the Elisabeth W. Erling Gymnasium, hosted by Palm Beach State College. The Manatees, who will be listed as the #3 seed in the tournament, will face the #6 seed Lake Sumter State (15-11) Friday morning, November 3 at 10 am.

Final Sun Lakes Conference Standings:

North - 

1. #15 Gulf Coast State (18-4, 11-2, 7-1) #

2. #10 Pensacola State (28-3, 12-1, 7-1) #*

3. Lake Sumter State (15-11, 7-6, 3-5) #

4. St. John's River State (24-12, 7-6, 3-5) #

5. Florida State College at Jacksonville (8-15, 3-10, 0-8) e

South - 

1. Pasco Hernando State (14-9, 9-4, 7-1) #

2. SCF (13-8, 6-7, 5-3) #

3. Palm Beach State (6-16, 6-7, 4-4) e

4. South Florida State (5-11, 3-10, 3-5) e

5. St. Pete (5-15, 1-12, 1-7) e

* Conference Champions

# Clinched playoff berth

e Eliminated from playoff contention

Last Time Out:

The Manatees are coming off of splitting their last two matches of conference play where they fell 3-2 to Pasco Hernando State Wednesday, October 18 before defeating Palm Beach State Saturday, October 21 on their 'sophomore day'. The win over Palm Beach was what helped the Manatees secure a spot in the championship and bump up to second place in south division play.

Following the closing of their part of the regular season, the Manatees warmed up with two scrimmages against the IMG Academy U18 and U16 National Teams.

Tournament Breakdown:

The FCSAA DII Volleyball Championship Tournament is single elimination where six teams will compete at. The team that loses their match is eliminated from the tournament and ends their season. The winner of the final match will win the tournament and represent the Gulf District as one of 16 teams for the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Pasco Hernando State (15-8) will be listed as the #1 seed, while #12 Gulf Coast State (18-4), who are the reigning and defending state champions is listed as the #2 seed. As a result of their seedings, both teams will receive a first round bye.

The following listed are the six teams that qualified for the and their seedings:

#1 Pasco Hernando State (15-8)

#2 (#12) Gulf Coast State (18-4)

#3 SCF (13-8)

#4 (#10) Pensacola State (28-3)

#5  St. John's River State (24-12)

#6 Lake Sumter State (15-11)

November 3 - 

Match 1: #3 SCF vs #6 Lake Sumter @ 10 am

Match 2: #4 (#10) Pensacola State vs #5 St. John's River State @ 1 pm

Match 3: #2 Pasco Hernando vs Match 1 winner @4 pm

Match 4: #1 (#12) Gulf Coast State vs Match 2 winner @ 7 pm

November 4 - 

Match 5:  Match 3 winner vs Match 4 winner, 1 pm (FCSAA Championship)

Award Winners:

Prior to the start of the tournament, the FCSAA Athletics Commissioner Rob Chaney and Steve Winterling, the Sun Lakes Conference Chairman and Pasco-Hernando State Athletic Director, presented the yearly awards to several players.

Sun Lakes Player of the Year:

The Sun Lakes Conference Player of the Year was crowned to sophomore Kiara Vega. Vega, a setter from Lake Mary, Florida finished the regular season with 1,114 assists (#11 in the nation; 10.51 assists per set: #3 in the nation), 38 aces, 285 digs and 34 blocks. Additionally, she was named a member of the All-Sun Lakes North Division First Team and the Dulcie 'Cookie' Stevens Player of the Year award as the best player overall in NJCAA Region 8.

All-Sun Lakes First Team:

For the Manatees, freshman Aleksandra Wrobel was named to the All-Sun Lakes First Team. Wrobel, a native of Poland, finished her part of the regular season with 164 kills, 16 aces, 108 digs and 20 blocks. In the final match against Palm Beach State, Wrobel had a double-double of 12 kills and 11 digs to go along with five blocks.

Members from the other teams are as listed:

Gulf Coast State - Izzy Denton and Jaiden Rogers

Pensacola State - Kiara Vega and Anyaliz Rodriguez

Palm Beach State - Patrycja Kabala and Zuzanna Michalska

South Florida State - Kelsey Dodd

St. John's River State - Gianna San Filippo

Lake Sumter State - Kaylee Hunt

Pasco Hernando State - Kylie Ciani and Elizabeth McDonald

All-Sun Lakes Second Team:

Representing the Manatees on the All-Sun Lakes Second Team are sophomores Katie Keefe and Caelan Cook.

Keefe, a native of London, England and a transfer from the Stetson University beach volleyball team has 114 kills, 14 aces, 105 digs and 23 blocks. After this season, Keefe will be transferring to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona for beach volleyball.

Cook earns her first conference award in her collegiate career. Currently, the native of Indian Harbour Beach has 108 kills, 16 aces, 89 digs and 18 blocks. Throughout her two years with the Manatees, Cook has 300 kills, 18 aces, 181 digs and 35 blocks.

Members from the other teams are as listed:

Gulf Coast State - Annabell Chancy

Pensacola State - Maddie Mire and Cadence Goeden

Palm Beach State - Ashlyn Banton

St. Pete College - Ahnika 'AJ' Johnston

Florida State College at Jacksonville - Martina Soler Marti

St. John's River State - Lauren Herz

Lake Sumter State - Yarelis Lopez Osorio

Pasco Hernando State -Haley Ebbert and Isabella Griefenstein

All-FCSAA/NJCAA DII Region 8 Team:

Aditionally, Wrobel was named a member of the All-FCSAA DII/NJCAA Region 8 Team.

Members from the other teams are as listed:

Gulf Coast State - Kylie Ciani, Jaiden Rogers

Pensacola State - Kiara Vega and Anyaliz Rodriguez

Palm Beach State - Zuzanna Michalska

St. John's River State - Gianna San Filippo

South Florida State- Kelsey Dodd 

Pasco-Hernando State - Kylie Ciani, Elizabeth McDonald

Lake Sumter - Kaylee Hunt, Yarelis Lopez Osorio

Scouting #12 Gulf Coast State:

The Lady Commodores, who bumped up to three spot in the NJCAA Top 20 National Polls, are coming off of a 3-0 shutout over Coastal Alabama - South in their season finale. They were originally in second place in the north division to secure a spot in the state tournament, however they were able to edge pass Pensacola State in a tiebreaker iof points (Gulf Coast State: 136; Pensacola State: 134). As a result, they would finish first in the north division and were named the #2 seed in the tournament..

On offense, freshman Jaiden Rogers leads the way with 137 kills and 35 blocks, while sophomore Erica Irby follows with 134 kills, 70 digs and 23 blocks.

In setting, freshman Isabel Mulita leads the way with 362 assists, 22 aces and 152 digs, while sophomore Breanna Tanton follows with 298 assists and 148 digs.

Defensively, sophomore Izzy Denton leads the way with 314 digs, 84 assists and 16 aces, while freshman Abigail Willis leads the front row with 82 blocks (75 block assists) and 99 kills.

Scouting Pasco Hernando State:

The Lady Bobcats are coming off of 3-2 loss to Hillsborough to conclude their season. They were named the Sun Lakes South Division Champions and secured the #1 seed in this year's state tournament. 

Freshman Elizabeth McDonald is currently leading the offense and part of the front row defense as she leads with 279 kills, 42 aces, 181 digs and 31 blocks (18 solo). Sophomore Kylie Ciani follows with 249 kills, 26 aces and 218 digs.

In setting, sophomore Haley Ebbert leads with 314 assists, 28 aces and 110 digs, while freshman Alyssa Bentley follows with 290 assists, 18 aces and 108 digs and classmate Kiersten Osborne adds 252 assists, 28 aces and 148 digs.

Defensively, freshman Blake Samon leads with 38 blocks (23 solo) to go along with 27 kills, while sophomore Elena Castillo-Wetzell leads the back row defense with 139 digs and 11 aces.

Scouting #13 Pensacola State:

The Lady Pirates, who are the #4 seed in the tournament and are ranked #13 in the nation, are coming off of closing their portion of the season on the road in Alabama for the last five matches. They would sweep the first part of the trip in Andalusia where they defeated Enterprise State CC 3-1 before shutting out Lurleen B. Wallace CC 3-0. On the second leg of their Alabama trip, the Pirates would compete in the Calhoun CC Warhawk Showdown in Decatur where they would fall to host Calhoun by a score of 3-2 before shutting out Enterprise State CC and Bevill State CC both by a score of 3-0. While they did have the best record in conference play, they would finish behind Gulf Coast State in the north division through a tiebreaker in points.

Sophomore Anyaliz Rodriguez leads the way offensively for the Lady Pirates as she currently has 425 kills (ranks #13 in the nation; 3.94 kills per set ranks tied for #11 in the nation), 28 aces, 345 digs and 54 blocks. Classmate Paige Patterson adds 200 kills and 62 blocks, while freshman Cadence Goeden adds 264 kills and 56 blocks.

In setting, sophomore Kiara Vega joins Rodriguez on the All-Sun Lakes North Division First Team. Vega currently has 1,114 assists (ranked #8 in the nation; 10.51 assists per set ranks #3 in the nation), 39 kills, 38 aces, 285 digs and 84 blocks. 

Defensively, freshman Maddie Mire leads the back row with 545 digs (tied for #32 in the nation) to go along with 46 aces, while classmate Riley Carter leads the front row with 78 blocks (16 solo), 171 kills and 19 aces.

Scouting St. John's River State:

The Lady Vikings, who enter the state tournament as the #5 seed in the tournament, are coming off of a 3-2 win over Indian River State to conclude their season.

Sophomore Gianna San Filippo leads the Lady Vikings' offense and front row defense as she currently has 285 kills and 120 blocks (92 solo; tied for #17 in the nation), while classmate Brittany Cowart follows with 216 kills and 70 blocks (45 solo) and freshman Becky Thiem adds 199 kills and 52 blocks (33 solo). Alongside San Filippo, Cowart and Thiem, sophomore Katelynn Wright (175 kills, 126 digs and 22 blocks) and freshman Zoey Matichak (193 kills, 24 aces and 267 digs) help move around the offense for the Lady Vikings.

In setting, sophomore Taylor Delaney and freshman Gianna Mora lead the way with 500 plus assists (Delaney: 555; Mora: 550). Delany also has 71 aces (tied for #18 in the nation) and 261 digs, while Mora adds 42 aces, 54 kills, 226 digs and 28 blocks (21 solo).

On defense, apart from San Fillipo, Cowart and Thiem in the front row, freshman Lauren Herz leads the back row defense with 638 digs (#15 in the nation), 100 assists and 42 aces.

Scouting Lake Sumter State:

The Lakehawks, who are the #6 seed in the tournament, are coming off of a 3-0 shutout win over Trinity College of Florida. They would finish in fourth place in the north division.

Sophomore Kaylee Hunt leads the offense for the Lakehawks with 295 kills, 29 aces, 308 digs and 43 blocks, while classmate Yarelis Lopez Osorio follows with 241 kills, 25 aces and 340 digs. Freshman Emily Warner leads all the players in setting with 546 assists, 36 aces and 234 digs.

Defensively, freshman Sydni Hunter leads the front row with 57 blocks and 90 kills, while sophomore Saniaa Dickey has 276 digs and 32 aces.

How to Keep Up:

All five matches will air on the FCSAA Digital Network and fans can keep up with the Manatees on all social media platforms:

Livestream Link -  https://team1sports.com/fcsaa/

Social Media Links - 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SCFvolleyball

X - https://twitter.com/SCFVolleyball?s=09

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/volleyball_scf/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

SCF VB Dances to States on Sophomore Day

Bradenton, Fla - In a winner take all situation, the SCF volleyball team (13-8, 6-7 Sun Lakes, 5-3 South Division) showed they were the ones who kept their vision clear as day to punch their ticket to the FCSAA DII State Tournament as they defeated Palm Beach State (6-16, 6-7 Sun Lakes, 4-4 South Division) by a score of 3-1 (25-13, 20-25, 25-18, 25-23) to close the regular season. This would the Manatees first sweep in Sun Lakes Conference play this season as they defeated Palm Beach State earlier in the season (September 16).

"As a team, I couldn't have asked for anything more," said head coach Lynn Burnett. "This team was remarkable from opening serve to closing block. They were literally remarkable. Every single one of the players battled through mid-October blues and to overcome so much. It's tough and mentally exhausting when they locked in and focused as a team is what created them as one and when they're all together, they're brilliant."

"I thought our team really came together after changing the lineups to a 5-1 instead of a 6-2," said sophomore Katie Keefe. "Everyone adapted well to the change. I'm proud of our whole team while we were facing adversity and how we came back more respectful so we can get the job done."

"I felt really excited and energetic with all my teammates," said sophomore Kloe Pinto. "They made me so comfortable the whole time and it was a really fun experience. I'm just so glad I got to play with all of my best friends."

"I thought we did well running a 5-1 lineup with Morgan (McGuire) leading the way on the set," said sophomore Caelan Cook. "It was different, but we played really well together with the energy so good from everyone. The energy in the room was electric"

Before the match commenced, the Manatees celebrated sophomore day for nine sophomore players: Keefe, Pinto, Cook, Rachel Carroll, Isabella Rebimbas, Amee Beedle, Bailee Perry, Shelby Pillow and Emily Lyons.

"I didn't cry, but I might need to pull a 'Deion Sanders' and put my sunglasses on," said Burnett on sophomore day. "It's very surreal."

Starting into the first set, serving and blocking were the name of the game for the Manatees as Pinto would lead the way on serving, while Keefe and freshman Aleksandra Wrobel lead the front row in blocking before the Lady Panthers called a timeout with the Manatees up 10-4.

After the timeout, the Lady Panthers pulled up a couple of kills before Keefe and Wrobel came up with kills of their own. With Pinto back to serving, the Manatees would continue to put points on the board thanks to Keefe, Wrobel and Cook and went up to 19-10 before Palm Beach used their final timeout of the set. Following the final timeout, the Manatees would go on cruise control after an ace by Wrobel before Keefe sealed the set with a slide kill.

Heading into the second set, the Lady Panthers started to rattle the Manatees as they took advantage of a  few reception errors by the Manatees. While the Manatees did manage to mount a comeback and take a three point lead once, it was not enough as the Lady Panthers would take the second set.

In the third set, with the score tied 1-1, the Lady Panthers faced a serious situation as sophomore Peyton Ferree would suffer an injury. After an hour delay, play would resume and the Manatees would show signs of strong blocking as Keefe would secure three solo blocks while Cook took over on getting kills before the Manatees took the third set off of a Lady Panther attack error.

In the fourth and final set, the Manatees were a little shaky towards the end, but after a timeout and some adjustments they would pull themselves together and came back after kills by Cook and Rebimbas and key blocks from Wrobel and freshman Teresa Briefeneder before the duo sealed the final set with their blocking to give the Manatees the win.

Wrobel would lead the way with a double-double of 12 kills, 11 digs, five blocks and two aces. Keefe, who was one block shy of a double-double, would follow with 11 kills, nine blocks (three solo), two aces, one assist and three digs.

"I came into the match playing as a middle blocker instead of right side or outside hitter," said Keefe. "It certainly was a different position for me, but I got the hang of it once I got my memory back on playing it. I had a fun time blocking, which was better for me to help my shoulder out so I could hit less and block more. I just happy that my coaches trusted me enough to play this position and to be able to block like this."

"Katie was unbelievable at the middle," said Burnett on Keefe. "She just tracked and shutdown everything, which very few have got by her."

Cook, who was two digs shy of a double-double, would round out the order with 11 kills of her own to go along with eight digs, one ace and two blocks.

"I felt really good, even if it took me a second to settle in," said Cook. "The energy from my teammates helped me and it felt amazing."

In setting, McGuire would lead the way with a season-high 41 assists, nine digs, one kill and two blocks.

In serving, aside from Keefe, Cook and Wrobel, Pinto would lead the way with three aces to go along with three digs.

"I felt very good," said Pinto. "I thought I did a good job and despite a few mistakes, I was able to come back from them and played my best game."

Defensively, aside from Keefe and Wrobel's blocks, Briefeneder would add five blocks (one solo) to go along with four kills. In the back row, Beedle finished with 11 digs, four kills and one block. Carroll (six digs and two assists), Rebimbas (one kill and one dig), Pillow (five kills, one assist and one block) and Lyons (one dig) also contributed in the match.

Notes:

• In the match against Pasco Hernando State, Pillow secured her 100th career block on a block assist. With the block assist against Palm Beach, she earned her 101st career block.

• This will be the second straight season that the Manatees have reached the state tournament and the first they reached the state tournament with a winning record since 2014.

Other Sun Lakes Scores:

#16 Gulf Coast State (17-4, 11-2 Sun Lakes, 7-1 North Division) defeated Florida State College at Jacksonville (8-15, 3-10 Sun Lakes, 0-8 North Division) 3-1 in Jacksonville. The Lady Commodores will wrap up their season on the road as they travel to Bay Minette, Alabama to take on Coastal Alabama - South (8-22, 2-9 CACC) Thursday night, October 26 at 8 pm EDT (7 pm CDT). The Blue Wave have concluded their season and finished last in the north division.

Lake Sumter State (14-11, 7-6 Sun Lakes, 3-5 North Division) completed the second day of the two-day Viking Invitational in Palatka with a sweep after defeating Coastal Alabama - South 3-1 before defeating Lurleen B. Wallace CC (20-9, 8-2 ACCC) 3-2. The Lakehawks will take on Trinity College of Florida (3-13, 3-2 NCCAA South Region) Tuesday night, October 24 at 6 pm.

St. John's River State (23-12, 7-6 Sun Lakes, 3-5 North Division) completed their portion of their two-day Viking Invitational as they Spartanburg Methodist (20-12, 10-0 CJCC) 3-0. The Vikings will take on Indian River State (7-14, 1-12 Citrus) Saturday afternoon, October 28 at 2 pm.

Sun Lakes Conference Standings:

North - 

1. #6 Pensacola State (24-2, 12-1, 7-1) #*

2. #16 Gulf Coast State (17-4, 11-2, 7-1) #

3. St. John's River State (23-12, 7-6, 3-5)

4. Lake Sumter State (14-11, 7-6, 3-5)

5. Florida State College at Jacksonville (8-15, 3-10, 0-8) e

South - 

1. Pasco Hernando State (14-8, 9-4, 7-1) #

2. SCF (13-8, 6-7, 5-3) #

3. Palm Beach State (6-16, 6-7, 4-4) e

4. South Florida State (5-11, 3-10, 3-5) e

5. St. Pete (4-14, 1-12, 1-7) e

* Conference Champions

# Clinched playoff berth

e Eliminated from playoff contention

Up Next:

The Manatees will head to Lake Worth for the two-day FCSAA DII State Tournament on November 3-4, hosted by Palm Beach State, but before that they will warmup with a final scrimmage as they head to IMG Academy to take on the IMG Academy U16 and U18 national teams on October 26.