University of North Florida issued the following announcement on Nov. 9.
Ospreys Come Within Two Points of Forcing a Deciding Set in Just Second-Ever Meeting
North Florida volleyball (22-5) blocked FSU (18-6) five times in the third set to force a fourth frame before nearly pushing things to five, although the host Seminoles won 3-1 Tuesday, Nov. 9.
Outside hitter Solimar Cestero tallied a team-high 11 kills to become the 12th Osprey in program history to reach the 1,000-kill milestone.
It was UNF's second matchup against an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team this year and second meeting between UNF and FSU in series history.
Florida State was receiving votes in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, while also touting a top-20 RPI.
FSU 3, UNF 1 (12-25, 15-25, 25-21, 23-25)
Inside the Sets
Set 1: FSU got out to an early lead and claimed set one … Solimar Cestero paced both teams, hitting 1.000 for four kills.
Set 2: UNF rattled off a 3-0 run in the middle of the set, forcing an FSU timeout … the Noles would win 12 of the next 14 points to claim the set.
Set 3: The Ospreys came up big on the block in the fourth set, stifling the Seminoles to get on the board … tied 10-10, UNF went on a 5-1 run and never let go of the lead … the Ospreys had five blocks in the third, holding Florida State to .000 hitting and only nine kills.
Set 4: The fourth frame had nine tie scores and three lead changes, with the Ospreys going on a pair of 3-0 runs to create a 20-17 lead … the Seminoles found a rhythm on the block and service line to come back and win in four.
Leaders By the Numbers
UNF
Bre Walp | 6 blocks
Solimar Cestero | 11 kills, .400 hitting
Julianna Askew | 19 assists
Annie Antar | 16 assists, 2 aces
Rocio Moro | 13 digs
FSU
Skye Ekes | 13 kills
Ava Pitchford | 32 assists
Emery Dupes | 6 aces, 15 digs
Emma Clothier | 7 blocks
Notes
It was just the second meeting between UNF and FSU.
It's the final non-conference match of the regular season and final road match of the regular season.
It was UNF's third match against a Power Five opponent this year.
Cestero became the 12th Osprey in UNF history to reach the 1,000-kill milestone.
Cestero is also just the fifth in UNF DI history to reach 1,000 kills.
Original source can be found here.
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