LAKELAND, Fla.—The Southeastern women's volleyball team won in straight sets over Warner on Senior Night. With the win, the Fire move to 20-8 on the season with a 11-4 record in conference play.
On a night where the seniors were honored, coach Audrey Goldsberry commented on what they've meant to the program after the game, "I haven't had enough time with them, I feel like I need more time with them. They are just so special, they are hard-working, they brought in a work ethic and dedication that I haven't seen in a long time. Very impressed with how they come in everyday and how committed they are to the program, their teammates, and their coaches."
In the first set, the Royals were able to hang with the Fire with the score tied at 14. Senior Taylor Gregory sparked a run for the Fire that led to them taking the set 25-20. Gregory scored three kills after the score was tied at 14 to seal the set. Gregory finished the night leading the team in kills with 13.
Coach Goldsberry talked about her team overcoming a slow start to the game, "We talked a lot today about courage and that were going to be in situations where were going to see defeat and get down, but it's all about how they approach that very next play. They took that to heart and were very determined that if we lost one point to come back and get the next two."
After taking the second set by another score of 25-20, the Fire made sure the match didn't reach a fourth, winning 25-12. Junior Courtney Krause finished off her 12-kill night with 4 in the final set. Krause filled the stat sheet tonight, also collecting 11 digs, an ace, an assist, and a block. Southeastern dominated the final set, holding Warner to a -0.026 hitting percentage. Emily Boehlein led the Fire defense with 5 blocks on the night.
Senior Emily Kalmink celebrated her senior night by recording her 1,000th career kill. Kalmink was able to return from an ankle injury to total 6 kills on the night. "She's just an athlete and we're lucky to have her, she was determined when she got hurt that she was going to come back and play on Senior Night. She found her groove and was able to find her intensity and passion and the team supported her."
Senior Sarah Castillo once again led the Fire in assists with 38 and also chipped in with 12 digs.
The Fire will close the regular season on Saturday, November 9th at 1 p.m. when they face Keiser in West Palm Beach.
