The defending Mid-Florida Conference champion Santa Fe Saints will begin their second ever season on Wednesday night against Pasco-Hernando State College, almost a year to the day when the Conquistadors and Saints met for the first time. On that night, SF won a thrilling five-set match for their first win of what would become a 31-7 inaugural season.
The 2015 version of the Saints will look to start the season the same way they did last year when PHSC makes the trip to Gainesville for a 7 p.m.
SF will continue at home over the weekend, hosting Gulf Coast State College on Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m., and Eastern Florida on Saturday at 9 a.m., and State College of Florida at 4 p.m.
SF returns six players from last year’s team, including All-Conference setter Farah Rajaee, and middle blocker Kaylin Powell. As a freshman, Rajaee led the way with 1,224 assists and 53 service aces. Powell had 334 kills, a team high .370 hitting percentage, and 98 blocks.
Also returning is middle blocker Jane Early, middle blocker Haley Walker, outside hitter Amber Hendry, and opposite side Julie Fuchs. The sophomores will be bolstered by a strong freshman class led by Bishop Kenny graduate and outside hitter Nadine Williams. Williams led BK to the FHSAA State Championship in 2014 as a senior, and was the 2013 Florida Times Union Player of the Year.
Joining Williams is middle blocker Meraiah Hill (Ocala Forest), libero Kasey Valentin (Middleburg), opposite side LaRija Henry (Tallahassee, Florida High), setter Amanda Torres (San Juan, PR, Colegio Adianez), libero Kelly Collins (Gainesville, Buchholz), outside hitter Sheyanne Sullivan (Miami Southwest), and sophomore transfer setter Massiel Castillo (Miami Southwest).
Admission is $5 for the general public, $3 for children under 12, military and seniors, and free for all SF students, faculty and staff. Fans can watch Wednesday’s game live on NJCAA TV. For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com.