The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers’ volleyball team defeated the Savannah State Lady Tigers in a three-set sweep Friday night (25-11, 25-6, 25-13.) at the Al Lawson Center. This was the home and conference opener for the Lady Rattlers. The team did not disappoint fans by winning each set by at least 12 points.
In the first set the Lady Rattlers led early 4-2, only to rip off a 21-9 run to end the set. The team capitalized on many mistakes made by the Lady Tigers. SSU compiled eight unforced errors and had a negative hitting percentage at -.167 for the set.
FAMU made sure all the little things were accomplished, like keeping up the intensity and making minimal mistakes to ensure the victories.
Head coach Tanio “Tony” Trifonov thought the team concentrated well tonight.
“Keeping the intensity up through most of the match so we can have that win of 3-0,” Trifonov remarked.
Trifonov also expects to have consistent play so the team won’t dig into holes like in their previous match against Auburn University.
Yeisha Arcia, a junior outside hitter from San Juan, Puerto Rico was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference player of the week last week. But, she did not let her recent accomplishment affect her in tonight’s game. She went on to finish the match with a total of six kills and seven digs.
Speaking on the honor Arcia said, “It’s motivation to me to keep doing better. It might be a little bit of pressure but it’s good pressure. It’s a pressure that makes me play better.”
Pamela Soriano, a freshman from the Dominican Republic, plays outside hitter as well. Soriano led the team with 12 kills and was very satisfied with the win.
“I’m always happy for something, it’s nice … I’m fine with the scores,” Soriano said.
Both Arcia and Soriano said the team had to maintain and play their own game. They did not want to go at SSU’s pace and to let them gain confidence during the game.
The Lady Rattlers improved their record to 3-13 (1-0 MEAC) and will be further tested against South Carolina State in a battle of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foes. The game will be Sunday, September 28, in the Al Lawson Center at 4 p.m.