Pensacola State officially launched conference play with two home matches this past weekend. 

On Friday, September 8th, the Pirates opened their regular season with a 3-0 win against the Lake Sumter Lakehawks (25-10, 25-17, 25-22). 

The freshmen for the Pirates dominated at the net. Outside/right side hitter Cadence Goeden led her team in kills with 11 for the match, hitting a .261, followed by middle blocker Riley Carter with eight kills, hitting an average of .333 along with one solo block and four block assists. Sophomore, setter Kiara Vega joined the party by bringing in four kills of her own, and 33 total assists. Pensacola State's defense fought to keep the ball off the floor and totaled 58 digs. Freshman, libero Maddie Mire posted 14 digs, and right behind her, sophomore outside hitter Anyaliz Rodriguez with 13 digs and Vega with 12.  

The Pirates brought the same energy to their second match against the St. Johns River State Vikings and secured another 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-16, 25-22).  

The Pirates' offense commanded the match, making it difficult for the Vikings to pull ahead. Rodriguez presented 12 kills, while Carter and Goeden added 10 kills each. Vega recorded 43 assists, helping her team hit a .281 average on the match. Mire and Rodriguez led in the defense department, Mire showing up with 19 digs and Rodriguez with 13.  

Pensacola State will be hitting the road for their third conference match against Gulf Coast State College on Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00 p.m. (CST).