The Jacksonville Volleyball team achieved a significant victory on Sunday night, defeating North Florida in three sets (25-19, 25-22, 25-23) at UNF Arena. This win marked the Dolphins’ first road victory against North Florida since 2017 and the first-ever road sweep of their cross-town rivals in program history.
It is also noteworthy that the Dolphins had previously swept North Florida in 2017 under different circumstances when home matches were moved due to Hurricane Irma. This latest win holds special significance in the ongoing River City Rumble series.
Breanna McDonough was a standout performer, leading the Dolphins with 22 kills and an impressive hitting percentage of .487. On the defensive side, Sofia Rampazzo achieved 13 digs and Emily Hodsdon contributed 12 digs, while Amina Dervisevic added five blocks at the net.
The match breakdown was as follows:
In the first set, Jacksonville established an early lead and secured a comfortable win at 25-19, maintaining control throughout with the largest deficit being just five points. The Dolphins won the set with four aces contributing to their offense.
Set two saw Jacksonville narrowly clinch victory with a score of 25-22, surviving a tense back-and-forth battle that included four lead changes and nine ties. The Dolphins’ front row excelled defensively, blocking five attacks from North Florida during this set.
In the final set, Jacksonville continued their momentum, finishing strong with a 25-23 win. They opened with an early lead of 7-4 and did not look back, marking a successful culmination of offensive efforts with a total of 18 kills in the set.
Head Coach Alicia Roth expressed her excitement about the game and the supportive atmosphere from fans. She praised the team’s defensive performance and their ability to stay composed during the rivalry match, indicating significant growth.
Players also shared their thoughts on the match. Breanna McDonough reflected on her performance, emphasizing maintaining composure and focus throughout the competition. Emily Hodsdon attributed her efficiency in connecting with hitters to diligent practice and strong communication with her teammates.
Key Stats from the Match:
– Emily Hodsdon contributed a match-high three aces.
– Jacksonville led throughout the third set, winning it 25-23.
– Breanna McDonough had the highest kill total in the match with 22.
– Sofia Rampazzo recorded the most digs with 13.
– Emily Hodsdon provided 35 assists to her teammates.
The Dolphins will be back in action next Friday as they host Florida Gulf Coast in an ASUN matchup, scheduled for 7:00 PM, which will also be available for viewing on ESPN+.