HAMPTON, Va. — Florida A&M's volleyball team went the distance versus Maryland Eastern Shore before falling in a five-set thriller Saturday.
The Rattlers dropped the match 3-2, by scores of 19-25, 25-22, 25-15, 18-25, 15-12.
Set 1: Finding Their Rhythm
Florida A&M fell behind early in the opening frame, but middle blocker
LaDonna Trantham tallied three kills and one block to spark the Rattlers. Setter
Bengisu Kazazlar added five assists and three digs, while libero
Ruxandra Flueras anchored the back row with seven digs. Despite the effort, UMES held on for a 25-19 win.
Set 2: Rattlers Answer Back
The Rattlers stormed back in the second set, fueled by the offensive firepower of
Iyonnie Sanford, who recorded 12 kills and two digs while hitting an efficient .333. Trantham chipped in four more kills and two digs, and
Farah Farooq contributed three kills and three digs. Kazazlar set the pace with eight assists and two digs, guiding FAMU to a 25-22 victory that tied the match.
Set 3: Dominance at the Net
Florida A&M showcased its strength in the third set, controlling the tempo and finishing with five total team blocks. Trantham posted seven kills and two blocks, while Sanford added six kills and two blocks. Farooq powered through with five kills and a block, and setter
Makenzie Taylor distributed four assists and chipped in with four digs. The Rattlers rolled to a decisive 25-15 win
Set 4: UMES Responds
Despite another strong performance from FAMU, UMES evened the match in the fourth. Trantham landed five kills, while Farooq and Kazazlar each added three kills apiece. Flueras once again steadied the defense with six digs. The Hawks held off Florida A&M late to take the set 25-18, forcing a winner-take-all fifth.
Set 5: A Fight to the Finish
The final set saw Florida A&M continue to battle.
Sydney Whitfield led with three kills and a block, while Trantham added two kills and Farooq chipped in two more. Sanford notched another kill and dig, and Kazazlar kept the attack flowing with two assists. Despite rallying to tie the set at 10-10, the Rattlers ultimately fell 15-12, giving UMES the match.
A Promising Outlook
Florida A&M showed resilience throughout the match, responding after a tough first set and pushing UMES to the brink. Sanford's 22 kills, 12 digs and eight blocks led the way, while Trantham (15 kills, three blocks) and Flueras (13 digs) added crucial performances.
