Scott Turner
In Motion Staff Writer
DSC Lady Falcons Volleyball finishes stupendous second season with a resplendent regional run.
Over a period of four days, an amazing showcase of volleyball talent took place, with the Falcons receiving a multitude of honors that reflected their hard work during the season.
Daytona State’s Lady Falcons Volleyball team ends their second season with a spectacular regional run.
Players Halle Dotson, Kiara Colson, and Joely Cabrera were named to the 2nd Team Mid-Florida Conference. Alicia Kandler and Caitlin Conner represented DSC on the 1st team Mid-Florida Conference.
Alicia Kandler was also recognized for her offensive capabilities displayed during the season, being named to the 1st team All-Conference and earning a position on the FSCAA All Region Team. She ranks ninth in the nation in kills and eleventh in kills per set.
Caitlin Connor’s equally impressive offensive abilities and her skill as a team player earned her a spot in the 1st Team All Conference. She has 1513 assists in this past season alone, and ranks second in the nation in assists per set with 11.13 per set.
Khiani Kelly, a Sophomore, plays middle on the team and had positive things to say about this past season.
“I think it went a lot better than last year, we had much better team chemistry and were able to make it much further. It’s only the second year of the program and we made it all the way to regionals, that’s a good feeling.” Kelly said.
The season itself was rife with memorable moments as well.
“During the season our games versus the College of Central Florida were always intense, they stand out in my mind. At regionals, the match versus Santa Fe was amazing, it was cool to play a team that was also starting out and be matched point for point made for an intense game.” Kelly said.
Laura Stegall, head coach of the team, also had a few moments that stuck with her from this past season.
“At the beginning of the season we went on a 13 game winning streak, which made us ranked sixth in the nation and first in the region, that definitely stands out. I also remember the game against Florida State College, Jacksonville that got us to the regionals,” Stegall said.
The season was full of both close matches and incredible victories; 14 of their victories were won without the opposing team winning a single set, while some were very much down to the wire. Many of their lost matches were lost by only a handful of kills at the most, kills being the points determining who wins a set.
“That’s a good representation of the competitive nature of the team, they always buckle down when the points get close and do everything they can to pull ahead.” Stegall said.
The Lady Falcons ended the season with 27 wins and 14 losses.
The team is graduating 11 of it’s players this fall, and has begun the process of finding talent to replace them.
“We had a scouting weekend and we have a few prospects, presently three local and one from Chicago. With the returning players, we’ll ideally be back at regionals next year, and get one of the top 3 to move to nationals.” Stegall said.
While the team is sad to see them go, those graduating are grateful for the doors that the team has opened.
“I’m looking at several schools and looking to continue Volleyball there. This program has definitely opened up a lot of opportunities for me that I wouldn’t otherwise have had.” Kelly said.
Finishing the season on an incredibly strong note, the second season of Lady Falcons Volleyball shows how strong the program has become and what it is capable of.