This weekend, the Lady Rattlers played in the North Florida Invitational in Jacksonville, Fla. The team lost its first game to the University of North Florida.
Pamela Barrera led the team with eight kills and two blocks. Karol Marquez also contributed with 21 digs. However, the Rattlers struggled in the first set and were unable to turn it around.
In their second game, the Lady Rattlers earned their first win of the season against Davidson College 3-0. The match started out rough for the Rattlers, but they eventually picked it up. The team lost the first set 25-19, but won the next two.
They lost the fourth set 25-19 and won the final set 15-11. Yeisha Arcia led the team with 20 kills and 12 digs. Barrera also contributed three blocks.
The third game of the tournament went more smoothly for the Lady Rattlers. FAMU beat Presbyterian College 25-18, 25-21, 31-29 in three straight sets. Two players, Arcia and team captain Maria Ceccareli, had double-digit kills, as the Lady Rattlers dominatedPresbyterian.
Arcia had 12 kills and 11 digs in the final game, as well as a block. Her play helped the team propel themselves into their second victory of the season. Head volleyball coach Tanio Trifonov was very pleased with the progress of the team. However, he said the team has a lot of improvements to make.
“Going forward, we have to be more consistent,” said Trifonov in a previous interview.
Marquez, who played well throughout the tournament, was also pleased with the team’s performance.
“We just need more experience,” said Marquez in a previous interview.
Ceccarelli enjoyed the way the team played as well. She hopes the team develops more confidence as the season goes along.
The Lady Rattlers (2-7) will play their next game on Sept. 18 against Troy University.