Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.- The Valdosta State Blazers dominated both Nova Southeastern and Florida Tech on Friday afternoon. Senior Kayla Widera had season-high 19 blocks in the 3-1 win over Nova Southeastern, which is good for the most in the entire NCAA this season. VSU stayed hot in the second match defeating Florida Tech, 3-0.
 
THE BASICS (Game One):
Score: Valdosta State 3, Nova Southeastern 1 (25-16, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22)
Records: Valdosta State (2-3) ,  Nova Southeastern (4-1)
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Nova Southeastern University)


HOW IT HAPPENED (Game One): 

• The Blazers and Sharks battled back and forth in the first set, with VSU leading 16-15.

• VSU used a 6-0 run to take a commanding 22-15.

• After an NSU point, the Blazers used a 3-0 run to win the first set, 25-16.

• VSU jumped out to a quick 8-4 lead, before the Sharks used a 4-0 to tie the second set.

• The Blazers used multiple runs, including runs of four and five points, to down the Sharks once again.

• With a 2-0 set lead, the Sharks battled back in the third registering twelve kills to keep their hopes alive.

• In the fourth set, the Blazers took advantage of eleven errors by the Sharks, to build a 22-15 lead

• After a point for NSU, the Blazers used a 3-0 run to defeat the Sharks and win the match 3-1
   

THE BASICS (Game Two):
 
Score: Valdosta State 3, Florida Tech 0 (25-23, 25-23,25-16)   
Records: Valdosta State (2-3), Florida Tech (1-5)
Location: Ft. Lauderdale (Nova Southeastern University)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game Two)

• VSU struggled out of the gate against Florida Tech, falling behind 7-2.

• VSU used a 4-0 run to pull back within a point, 7-6.

• The Panthers kept it close with VSU, before the Blazers pulled ahead by a 24-18 margin.

• VSU was able to hold off a late Florida Tech rally, to take the first set.

• Set number two was also a close, as the Blazers prevailed 25-23.

• VSU completed the sweep of the Panthers, using several scoring runs to win 25-16.

 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:  

• Senior Kayla Widera dominated in the middle with 27 total blocks, including a season-high 19.

• Through both matches, VSU had 75 kills in 263 swings, good for .285 percentage.

• Junior Tammy Reyes Perez totaled 59 assists between both matches, including 35 against Florida Tech

• Senior Dariah Powell had a double-double against Florida Tech with 16 kills and 13 digs.

• Junior Rebecca Sills led the team with 43 digs between both matches, as sophomore Jessie Mooney was second with 32 digs.

 

UP NEXT:

• The Blazers will be back in action in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday.

• VSU battles Belmont Abbey and Southern New Hampshire on Saturday starting at 9:30 AM.

• Check back with vstateblazers.com for links to live stats and streaming for the matches.