TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Led by the standout play of redshirt sophomore outside hitter Morgan Chacon, the Florida State Volleyball Team conquered 11th-ranked and rival Miami on the road on Thursday night, winning 3-1 at the Knight Sports Complex.
The win ties for Florida State’s highest-ranked victory over an ACC opponent, matching its win over number 11 North Carolina in 2002. It also ties for the third-highest ranked road victory in program history.
“Really proud of the team,” FSU head coach Chris Poole said following his 844th career win. “We worked hard over the past week trying to improve on problems we had last weekend. We had a much better balance on offense and our defense got better as the match progressed. Miami split with Georgia Tech and they are always tough at home. We need to recover tonight and get ready for another battle tomorrow.”
Chacon was indeed ready for tonight’s battle, recording her second-highest kill total for her career in ACC play. Last year she put down 20 kills against the Tar Heels, and her young FSU career high is 21 last season vs. High Point.
Chacon also added her tenth career double-double with 19 kills and just two errors in 42 swings. It is her third career match hitting above the 40 percent mark, a very lofty percentage for an outside hitter.
A dominant FSU offensive attack hit .348 for the match, as senior outside hitter Jasmyn Martin added 15 kills with three blocks. She hit 30 percent for the match, with only three errors in her 40 attacks.
Sophomore middle blocker Emma Clothier kept up her steady pace, adding 13 kills and no attack errors in 21 swings for a .619 hitting percentage. She also recorded two blocks and a service ace.
The difference from last weekend to Thursday’s big win was FSU’s elevation in its passing. Throughout the night, the Seminoles were mostly crisp in serve receive, led by Chacon’s 14 digs. Sophomore Lauryn Burrows and senior Caroline Golden each added nine digs in what was a collective effort defensively.
Redshirt sophomore setter Lily Tessier (24 assists) and redshirt senior setter Olivia Dailey (22 assists) each played a huge role in their offense’s successful attack. Tessier added two kills, while Dailey recorded three service aces including back-to-back aces in the fourth set.
FSU returns to action on Friday vs. number 11 Miami at 3 p.m. on the ACC regional sports networks.
