AASU Orthopedics Pirate Volleyball Classic Shows No Mercy for Florida Tech as the Panthers Drop Their First Two Games

SAVANNAH, Ga. (volleyball)– Despite the Panthers valiant efforts they recorded two losses in the opening day of the AASU Volleyball Classic losing the
first match in a heart-breaker to USC Upstate in 5 games and losing the second match in three games to Francis Marion.

In their first match of play in the AASU Orthopaedics Pirate Volleyball Classic against USC Upstate the Panthers couldn’t seem to find any rhythm to
overcome Upstate losing the match in 5 games (W30-27, L30-28, L30-21, W30-23, and L15-9). The match consisted of great rally play with each team making
runs grabbing the side-out. While taking the lead Tech couldn’t rally past to win the match. The Panthers just couldn’t find the edge over
the Spartans to take the final game for the match win.

Leading the way for the Panthers was senior Jenny McCoy (Titusville, Fl) with 16 kills on 27 attempts giving her a .518 pct along with 5 total blocks. Also
contributing for the Panthers with 13 kills was senior outside-hitter Megan Konopnicki (Plano, TX) along with freshman outside-hitter Frankie Brown (Panama
City, Fl) adding 11 kills. Amanda Boyce (Madison, WI) recorded a game high of 50 assists and defensively, Melissa Reinders (Orlando, Fl) lead the team with
42 digs.

In the second match playing against Francis Marion the Panthers were swept by the Patriots in three straight games (30-15, 30-16, and 30-24). The Spikers
rallied hard in the third game with some strong hitting from sophomore Rachael Joakim (Centerville, MA) recording 11 kills to lead the Panthers. Lindsay
Foster (Titusville, FL) and McCoy recording 5 kills apiece, while Camille Hines (Lakeland, FL) led with 19 assists.   Defensively the
Konopnicki and Reinders combined for 21 digs;  with 8 and 13 respectively.

The Panthers continue tournament play tomorrow, Saturday, September 9th playing USC Aiken at 1 pm and again playing UNC Pembroke at 5 pm.