The FCSAA #4/NJCAA #17 Santa Fe Saints took care of business in their first match of the day, defeating Eastern Florida State College in straight sets (25-19, 28-26, 25-14) to move to 3-0 on the season. They ran into a buzz saw in their second match, falling to the FCSAA #2/NJCAA #10 State College of Florida in straight sets (15-25, 21-25, 24-26) to drop SF to 3-1.
The Saints trailed late in set number one against EFSC, but used a 13-2 run to close out and go ahead 1-0. In the second set, they again trailed late, overcoming two set points, and a 24-22 deficit to win 28-26. They closed out the sweep with a dominating 25-14 win.
Nadine Williams was a force on the outside, piling up 13 kills and two blocks. Amber Hendry had another solid game following her performance against Gulf Coast, recording eight kills, and Julie Fuchs and Sheyanne Sullivan had five kills each. Amanda Torres had a team high 17 assists, and Kasey Valentin had 19 digs.
The second match of the day saw the Saints face off against the State College of Florida, a matchup of top 20 teams in the country. The Manatees roster sports six players over six feet tall, and they used this height to their advantage, sweeping the three set match. Despite the sweep, the Saints improved markedly each set, pushing the third to a 26-24 final.
Williams again led the way on the attack, putting up double-digit kills with 10. Sheyanne Sullivan and Kaylin Powell had five each.
The Saints will head out on the road for a double header next Saturday, Sept. 5 in Cocoa, Fla. against Eastern Florida State College at 10:00 AM, and South Florida State College at noon.