ORLANDO, Fla. - The Valdosta State volleyball team picked up a dominant 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-20) win over the Barry Buccaneers before being outlasted 3-1 (34-32, 18-25, 32-34, 24-26) by Nova Southeastern for a Friday split in Orlando, Fla.

Valdosta State opened the Crossover Tournament between the Gulf South Conference and the Sunshine State Conference with a stroke of revenge against the Buccaneers, who defeated the Blazers handily earlier in the season. The Blazers used an impressive defensive effort that included 19 blocks and 61 digs to hold Barry to an .094 hitting percentage. Susanna Peonia anchored VSU's blocking performance with five of the team's blocks, while Sydney Chick tallied 27 digs.

In the second match of the day, the Blazers and the Sharks battled continuously throughout. With the exception of the second set, in which VSU fell 25-18, the match featured two sets that took 34 points to win. VSU held out to take the first set, before the Sharks survived eight set points for Valdosta State in the third frame to claim the 34-32 victory.

In the deciding set, the Blazers held a 24-19 advantage and appeared to be on their way to a fifth set. Nova Southeastern showed resiliency, however, and scored seven straight to claim the win.

Chick highlighted the contest defensively, as the junior picked up 30 digs to set a new career-high for the second time in the same day.

The split moved VSU to 9-11 overall on the season, while the Buccaneers and the Sharks slid to 8-6 and 10-7, respectively.

Valdosta State will close out weekend competition on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. against the Saint Leo Lions.