Florida National University women’s volleyball lost to Ave Maria University 3-1 on Tuesday at Bucky Dent Park in Hialeah, Fla., despite winning the opening set. Florida National University took the first set 25-20 before Ave Maria University answered with wins of 25-20, 25-18 and 25-21. The result left Florida National University with a 6-14 record, while Ave Maria University moved to 8-9.
Florida National University built a 24-18 lead in the opening set after Diana Stetsko recorded a kill. Chriselle Ferdinand then recorded her seventh kill of the set as Florida National University secured the 25-20 win. The opening-set victory gave Florida National University a 1-0 match lead.
Ave Maria University Responds in Second Set
Chriselle Ferdinand, a sophomore outside hitter, recorded two blocks in the second set. Florida National University also received a defensive effort from Ferdinand and Camila Polanco as it tried to maintain control. Ave Maria University erased a three-point Florida National University lead midway through the set and won 25-20.
Ave Maria University recorded 13 kills in the second set. Florida National University finished the set with nine kills and seven attacking errors. The result evened the match at one set apiece.
Ave Maria University Takes Control
Ave Maria University continued its defensive pressure in the third set. Lucy Hudson recorded seven blocks, while Maylis Detar contributed 19 digs as the Gyrenes limited Florida National University to 16 kills across the final two sets. Ave Maria University opened a 19-11 lead before taking the set 25-18.
Elle Malczewski recorded her sixth kill of the match to end the third set. The point put Ave Maria University ahead 2-1 and left Florida National University needing a fourth-set victory to extend the match. Ave Maria University carried that advantage into a closely contested final set.
Late Rally Comes Up Short
Florida National University put together a 6-1 run late in the fourth set. A service-rotation error then gave Ave Maria University a 21-20 lead and halted the Conquistadors’ attempt to move in front. Ave Maria University won four of the next five points to close out the 3-1 victory.
Florida National University remains winless at home in 2026 and is 2-3 over its last five matches. Ave Maria University leads the series 21-5 and has won 17 consecutive matches against Florida National University. The loss came in Florida National University’s third home match of the season.
What Comes Next for Florida National University
Florida National University will remain at home for its next match. The team will host Florida Memorial University at 7 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026. It will be Florida National University’s next opportunity to end its winless home stretch.
FSB Take
Florida National University showed early control by winning the opening set and building a 24-18 lead. Ave Maria University responded with stronger production in the second and third sets before surviving Florida National University’s late fourth-set run. The upcoming home match against Florida Memorial University will follow a night in which Florida National University competed closely but could not finish the match.
Source: Original report