Keiser University women’s volleyball fell to Southeastern 25-18, 25-13, 25-18 in a Sun Conference match Saturday, Oct. 24, at the SLC. The loss dropped Keiser to 9-11 overall and 5-6 in conference play, while Southeastern improved to 17-4 and 10-1. Mallory Dills led Keiser with 20 assists, two service aces and eight digs.
Keiser opened the first set with a 4-0 lead and later held a 7-5 advantage. Southeastern answered with six consecutive points to take an 11-7 lead, then extended the margin to 16-9. Keiser pulled within 19-17 before Southeastern closed the set with a 6-1 run.
The second set began with Southeastern ahead 4-1, but Keiser rallied for four straight points to move in front 5-4. Dills recorded both of Keiser’s service aces during the run. Southeastern responded with six consecutive points and went on to win the set 25-13.
Keiser stayed within reach throughout the third set, leading 6-5, 7-6 and 8-7 before the teams reached a 9-9 tie. Southeastern took a 10-9 lead, and Keiser moved within one point at 13-12. The Fire then pulled away for another 25-18 victory.
Keiser leaders and team statistics
Southeastern hit .248 for the match, while Keiser hit .057. The Fire held advantages in assists, 47-27; digs, 80-61; and blocks, 6.0-4.0. Keiser led in service aces, 4-2, and recorded eight block assists without a block error.
Cece Worsham led Keiser with seven kills and added two block assists. Marina Maia finished with four kills, 12 digs and one ace, while Daniela Cruz Sánchez recorded four kills without an error. Ana Inés Liboreiro hit .400 with three kills.
Makenzi Bennett led Keiser’s back row with 15 digs and added one ace, while Amie Molina recorded eight digs. Addison Chapman had three block assists, and Amelia Langelier added two. Dills also contributed eight digs in addition to her team-high assist total.
Jillian Zoerman led all players with 14 kills and hit .263 for Southeastern. Laura Bonomi added 11 kills and 23 digs, while Haven Speer recorded 36 assists and 14 digs. Mallori Grey had 18 digs, and Jewel Carling and Laura Santangeletta each recorded eight kills.
What comes next for Keiser
Keiser is scheduled to play at Ave Maria on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. The team is scheduled to visit Florida Memorial on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. before hosting New College of Florida on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. The listed conference postseason dates are Nov. 10 for the Conference Quarters, Nov. 13 for the Conference Semifinals and Nov. 14 for the Conference Finals, with no times listed.
FSB Take
Keiser’s four service aces and eight block assists were positive statistical areas in the loss. Southeastern created separation with a .248 hitting percentage and advantages in assists, digs and blocks. Keiser will next take its 5-6 Sun Conference record to Ave Maria on Oct. 28.
Source: Original report