To finish off their homecoming weekend, Florida A&M came out on top of Southern 3-0 in a key SWAC volleyball matchup at the Al Lawson Center on Monday afternoon. The Lady Rattlers finished off the Jaguars on scores of 25-18, 25-16, 25-22.
The Lady Rattlers dominated in all areas, extending their eight-match conference win streak and outscored the Jaguars 56 to 38 in points and 47-30 in kills.
Head Coach Gokhan Yilmaz said that there are many positives looking at this game.
“We have the highest passing rate for the season and then the highest serving rate,” Yilmaz continued. “When that happens, that opens more opportunities for middles, right side and the swing as well.”
Middle blocker Brandi Boston was instrumental for the Lady Rattlers, scoring 10.5 points and nine kills. Outside hitter LaDonna Trantham had 9.5 points, eight kills and four digs. Meanwhile, Libero Victoria Santana had tied for a match-high of 10 digs.
“That’s where our right side were a really big part in our win today,” Santana said.
She emphasized the importance of having multiple players capable of scoring and keeping opposing defenses on their toes.
“If we have someone in each position who can score, then essentially no one can stop us,” Santana said.
Since the SWAC season began, Boston has had 41 kills and 22 blocks. She explained how she wants to continue to build the momentum.
“Every time I got the opportunity, I took a chance and went for it.” Boston said.
She continued and said what’s an important aspect for her as a teammate.
“Building more energy on the court, even when I’m in or off the court, and hyping my team up.”
The Lady Rattlers had a strong start and found rhythm early winning the first set, 25-18.
In the second set, momentum continued with Outside hitters Iyonnie Sanford and Sydney Whitfield along with Boston swinging strong and getting kills. They continued the lead 9-3, but the Jaguars continued to fight with their strong defense. But the Lady Rattlers came on top, 25-16.
In the third set, both teams came out attacking and was a back and forth match from start to finish. The Jaguars found their groove and led the set forcing the Rattlers to pivot but the Orange and Green ultimately came out on top.
Whitfield, who was out for the end of the second set, leading into the third – came in and helped lead the Lady Rattlers to victory. Middle blocker Farah Farooq and Boston had a block party at the net and the team all-around dominated the full set. The Lady Rattlers finished it off winning, 25-22.
Coach Yilmaz and the team look ahead to the next key matchup in the conference and focus on keeping the momentum on the court.
“We like it because it’s going to prepare us for the conference tournament. But it’s a quick turnaround. We’ll do our best to prepare and play.” Yilmaz said.
The Rattlers are back on the court in Montgomery, Alabama, Oct. 30. at 6 p.m., to take on the Lady Hornets of Alabama State.