EMERSON, Ga. – At the Rally Volleyball courts on Sunday morning, the Florida State volleyball team was warming up in the pouring rain, all singing along to senior Vanessa Freire’s favorite song, “Africa” by Toto – everyone chiming in at every mention of rain. There was an aura of confidence around the team as the Seminoles headed into their third consecutive CCSA Championship match, an energy that carried them through a 3-0 shutout of LSU.
Florida State has proven itself as the dominant force in the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association, going undefeated in both conference play and the CCSA Championship for all three years of the conference’s existence.
The Seminoles surrendered only one point in the 2018 Championships, earning a 27-1 pairs record in its 6-0 weekend. It’s the best record FSU has ever seen at the event after giving up two points in 2016 and four in 2017.
Florida State saw a similar outcome last season, where FSU saw FIU both in pool play and the championship match. Both times Florida State defeated its opponent 4-1 in pool play and 3-0 in the final.
The pairs of Macy Jerger/Sara Putt and Hailey Luke/Katie Horton were named to the CCSA All-Tournament Team, while Luke/Horton took home the Tournament MVP honor.
FSU becomes the second NCAA beach volleyball program to win its conference championship three years in a row, as Pepperdine won the WCC title on Saturday (April 21). Hawaii and Southern Cal will have a chance to do the same as the Big West and Pac 12 Championships will be held next weekend (April 26-29).
Florida State now turns its attention to the NCAA Championship. The eight teams for the tournament will be chosen next Sunday, April 29 at 7:00 pm Eastern time on NCAA.com. FSU is one of only two NCAA beach volleyball programs (along with Pepperdine). to make an appearance in every AVCA and NCAA Championship.
