The Jacksonville Volleyball team achieved a significant win on Sunday night, defeating North Florida in three straight sets with scores of 25-19, 25-22, and 25-23 at UNF Arena. This victory marked the Dolphins’ first road win against UNF since 2017 and represented the first time in program history they have swept their cross-town rivals on the road.
While this is the Dolphins’ first official road sweep, they had previously swept UNF in a 2017 match relocated due to Hurricane Irma. Therefore, this latest victory holds notable historical significance as it contributes to the ongoing River City Rumble rivalry.
Breanna McDonough led the Dolphins with an impressive 22 kills and a hitting percentage of .487. On defense, Sofia Rampazzo made a strong contribution with 13 digs, while Emily Hodsdon added 12. Amina Dervisevic played a key role at the net with five blocks.
In the first set, the Dolphins established an early advantage, winning 25-19 without trailing by more than five points. They seized the lead for good at 10-9, highlighting their strong performance with four aces.
The second set proved to be more competitive, but Jacksonville managed to secure a 25-22 victory, featuring four lead changes and a total of nine ties. The teams exchanged close play, with neither leading by more than three points, while Jacksonville’s front row blocked five attempts from North Florida.
In the decisive third set, Jacksonville took control early and never relinquished the lead, finishing with a 25-23 win that included 18 kills.
Head Coach Alicia Roth praised the team’s performance and the energy of the fans, noting it was a great way to launch into the conference season. She emphasized the importance of maintaining composure during a rivalry match and acknowledged the team’s defensive growth.
Bre McDonough, reflecting on her performance, emphasized the excitement of the match and the importance of mental focus and teamwork. Emily Hodsdon, who recorded a match-high 35 assists, credited the team’s practice efforts and communication for their offensive success.
In match highlights, it was noted that Emily Hodsdon also delivered three aces, and the Dolphins never trailed in clinching the third set. Jacksonville will next host Florida Gulf Coast on October 4, 2024, with the match beginning at 7:00 PM and available to watch on ESPN+.