TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. – The Life U women's volleyball team wrapped up Saturday's action in Florida with a pair of matches against New College of Florida and Florida College. The Running Eagles battled through a tightly contested second set against New College before falling in straight sets, then remained competitive throughout their matchup with Florida College in another three-set decision.
Match 1: New College of Florida 3, Life U 0
The Running Eagles opened the day against New College of Florida and faced an early deficit in the opening set before putting together their strongest stretch of the match in the second frame.
After dropping the first set 25-14, Life U responded with a competitive battle in the second. The Running Eagles traded points with New College throughout the frame and pushed the set beyond regulation before ultimately falling 28-26.
New College carried the momentum into the third set to complete the sweep, 25-11.
Jadyn Walters led the Running Eagles offensively with seven kills, while Medney Garraux added five kills and tied for the team lead with seven digs. Lela Parker contributed four kills and a block, while Rylie Springer added seven digs defensively.
Life U finished with 21 kills and five service aces, including two from Mia Goldbach.
Match 2: Florida College 3, Life U 0
Life U returned to the court later in the day to face Florida College and opened the match with an early advantage.
The Running Eagles jumped out to a 9-3 lead in the opening set behind a strong start from the service line. Florida College gradually worked its way back into the frame, however, eventually pulling ahead late to take the set 25-21.
The second set remained competitive as Life U again stayed within striking distance, but Florida College used a late push to secure another 25-21 victory. The hosts closed out the match with a 25-20 decision in the third set.
Kaylee Cantlin and Jadyn Walters led Life U with five kills apiece, while Mia Goldbach added five kills on a .273 hitting percentage. Vitoria Reis directed the offense with 18 assists, and Medney Garraux recorded a team-high seven digs.
Emily Warner made an impact from the service line with two aces, while Sienna Pierre added six digs and a service ace off the bench.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-
Jadyn Walters: Led Life U with 12 kills across the two matches.
-
Medney Garraux: Recorded eight kills and a team-high 14 digs on the day.
-
Rylie Springer: Added 11 digs across both matches.
-
Vitoria Reis: Combined for 24 assists while directing the Running Eagles offense.
-
Mia Goldbach: Recorded five kills against Florida College and two service aces across the two matches.
-
Emily Warner: Finished with 17 assists and two service aces.
-
Lela Parker: Added five kills and two blocks across Saturday's matches.
-
Team Effort: Life U totaled 50 kills, 64 digs and nine service aces across its two matches in Temple Terrace.
Up next, the Running Eagles will look to regroup and build momentum as they continue their early-season non-conference schedule.
