Volleyball Returns from Illinois 2-2

Pensacola State made their way up to Rockford, Illinois last weekend for the annual Opening Weekend Tournament (OWT) hosted by All In Volleyball. 

While there, the Pirates went head to head with four nationally ranked teams. 

On Friday, August 23, PSC opened the tournament with a five set win against no. 11 Des Moines Area Community College. The team then went on to face no. 19 Rock Valley College in another five set showdown, but were unable to come out on top. 

On Saturday, August 24, Pensacola competed in two more matches. 

Their first being a gut wrenching five set loss against no. 7 Iowa Central. Up by two sets, the Pirates were in good shape to secure the victory, but the Tritons chipped their way back into the match, taking PSC to five. Unable to build a strong lead in the final set, Pensacola fell to the Eagles 15-5. With no choice but to turn around and play a final match, the Pirates were forced to ante up and face no. 15 Neosho County. The Pirates kicked it into gear, crushing the Panthers in three clean sets. 

On the weekend, freshman, right side hitter Sofia Ortiz led the offensive with 48 kills. Freshman, outside hitter Catie Woolf trailed right behind with 38 kills and 26 digs. Sophomore, libero Maddie Mire made her mark defensively with 55 digs and kept the offense alive for the Pirates with 20 assists. Sophomore Brunna Marinari ran the offense for the Pirates and earned 98 assists. 

The Pirates walked away from the OWT with two victories and two opportunities to learn and grow as a team. 

PSC will host five teams for their annual Pensacola State Invitational Tournament this weekend, August 30-31 in the Hartsell Arena.