The Florida State volleyball team (3-1) bounced back with a strong performance against South Carolina (3-2), winning in a clean sweep: 26-24, 25-15, 25-16.
In the first set, both teams came out strong. The Noles gained a 15-11 lead, but the Gamecocks answered back with a 9-1 run. Key plays from Nenu Kpea and Kyleene Filimaua helped Florida State close the gap. They tied the match at 21 with a big block from Filimaua and Delaney Ewing. Despite an early Gamecock lead at set point, kills from Payton Whalen and Iane Henke flipped the momentum, allowing the Noles to take the set after a decisive block.
The second set was all Florida State. They jumped out to a quick 10-3 lead and maintained control, finishing the set with an impressive .379 hitting percentage and just two attack errors.
In the third set, the Gamecocks scored first, but that was the end of their lead. Florida State dominated, wrapping up the match with a season-high .340 hitting percentage while holding South Carolina to a mere .098.
Iane Henke shone in this match, achieving 15 kills on 33 attempts with a hitting percentage of .424—her career best for attempts above 20. She also recorded 10 digs, marking her first double-double at Florida State. Freshman Nenu Kpea made a strong showing too, totaling seven kills and four blocks, while Ewing tied her career high with six blocks.
This weekend’s match highlights Florida State’s ability to command the game. The Noles will next head to Norman to challenge Oklahoma on Wednesday for the Showdown at the Net, with first serve set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network.
The team’s recent performance reflects a broader trend in college volleyball where teams with strong defenses and strategic attacks often rise to the top of their conferences. According to a report from the NCAA, teams with a hitting percentage above .300 have a much better chance of clinching championships. As Florida State builds on its momentum, fans are eager to see how they will perform in upcoming contests.
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