The FAMU Volleyball team improved its record to 6-2 with a 3-0 (30-16, 30-18, 30-18) sweep over the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles on Saturday.
Sophomore middle backer Maria Andonova had 14 kills as the Rattlers defended their home court for the second time in 3 days.
The Rattlers, ranked no. 27, nationally, exposed the Golden Eagles to continue their home game winning streak this season to two and extend their overall winning streak to 5 games, FAMU has not lost a home volleyball match in over two years.
Outside hitter Andreina Ruiz added 8 kills, while fellow outside hitter Giulianna Velorio 11 kills and four blocks, as FAMU dropped the Golden Eagles to 3-6 for the season.
FAMU took control of game one on a kill by Guilianna Velorio from setter Mariela Portocarrero, who received early crowd attention and gave the Rattlers what would prove to be an insurmountable 22-14 lead.
The Rattlers continued control of the Golden Eagles in game two, starting their assault on an unprepared Southern Miss. defense with kills from Andonova and Ruiz.
Ruiz forced an attack error later to give FAMU an 18-11 lead in game two. They would not look back.
“We were confident we would get a victory.” Velorio said. “That helped us in speaking on the court–to achieve.”
The Rattlers, wearing black uniforms at home, fell behind early in game three until a team total effort tied the score at five. Adriana Kostadinova and Eva Petkova lead the team to a 10-6 lead. Ruiz proved effective as cause of several Golden Eagle errors, before long, the score was 20-11 FAMU.
“Today, we executed combinations as well as talked effectively on the court.” Said senior Mariela Portocarrero, exclaiming a key to victory. The Lima, Peru native had 39 assists in the game setting up the likes of heavy hitters such as Petkova, and Velorio whom also had 11 defensive digs. In a route, that lasted just one hour and fifteen minutes of competition.
“We served well, our offense was our best defense, and our passing was on time.” Assistant Coach Luiza Ramos said.
Contact Troy Weatherspoon at troy1.weatherspoon@famu.edu.