LAKELAND, Fla.—The Southeastern volleyball team got off to a solid start over the weekend, hosting the Fire Invitational and finishing the weekend unblemished.
Coach
Audrey Gilbert's young squad failed to drop a set in its matches against Pensacola Christian on Friday and Columbia (S.C.) on Saturday.
"The most encouraging things I saw were the level of play the new girls to the team brought to the table," said Gilbert. "They were calm and collected and were very coachable. I also really enjoyed watching
Alyssa Prescott fill the libero position and do so in a way that really inspired our defense."
The Fire will play four matches this weekend in Montgomery, Alabama at the Faulkner Invitational. The field is as strong as it usually is, with the Fire facing a tough slate during the two-day tourney.
"This weekend will definitely be a test of what level these girls can compete at as well as see how we handle ourselves against strong competition," said Gilbert. "We have a lot of respect for the programs we are playing and look forward to competing against them."
Mobile, who comes off of a 31-4 campaign last year, will be the first opponent for the Fire on Friday. The Rams are currently receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25, and return the services of All-Southern States Conference hitter, Bailey Nations, who has 1,156 career kills. Mobile has won three of its first four matches this season.
The Fire will also face 2-2 Freed-Hardeman on Friday. In their first four matches, the Lady Lions have averaged 2.44 aces per game, and have 44 total aces this season.
Brenau is the first opponent on Saturday, sporting a 1-3 record to open the season, picking up a 3-1 win over Cumberland during the Lindsey Wilson Classic last weekend. The Golden Tigers have eight players back from last season including All-Southern States player, Sydney Koon. She is currently second on the team in kills with 46.
The Fire will conclude their trip to the Heart of Dixie with a match against the host Eagles. Tori Bartel's squad is off to a 4-3 start, scoring wins over Marygrove, Johnson and Wales (Colo.), Valley City State, and Mississippi Valley State. Alysa Klassen is the team leader in hitting percentage at .294, and Sarah Dubberley is the squad's leader in kills with 75.
"The keys to a successful weekend will be unity on the court, each girl getting their individual job done, and utilizing the concepts we've been working on in practice to prepare for this tournament," said Gilbert.
For all the latest on Fire volleyball, follow them on Twitter @SEUFireVball.
