BABSON PARK, Fla. (September 21, 2018) – The Webber International University women's volleyball team took care of business against nonconference foe Florida National University, winning 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16). The match had a bigger meaning than just volleyball as both teams and Webber athletics as a whole came out to support Webber's own
Madelyn LoCascio and her battle with cancer.
LoCascio played softball for the Warriors in the 2018 season and was recently diagnosed in early June with Stage 3 Sarcoma cancer in her left arm.
Teammates of LoCascio and the Webber women's volleyball team worked together to host tonight's match in her honor with proceeds going to LoCascio to support her and her family.
The Lady Warriors did not disappoint as they made quick work of the Conquistadors, starting off by finishing off the first set with six straight points to take 1-0 set advantage.
Svenja Koenig,
Virginia Salanoa-Sagapolu and
Salla Rautiainen combined to record three straight kills to end the set.
After winning set two in a back-and-forth battle, Webber had a small 15-13 lead over FNU in the third set before going on a 10-3 run to seal the victory for the Warriors and LoCascio.
Head Coach Lindsey Martin said, "What a great cause to inspire a win tonight from our athletes, Maddie LoCascio! Our team, the fans, and even Florida National University did an amazing job of honoring her and her fight tonight."
Leading the way for Webber was
Emily Bowen and Salanoa-Sagapolu with 13 kills apiece and
Julia Ferraro with five kills. The trio was dominant as Ferraro led with a .571 attack percentage while Bowen hit .429 percent and Salanoa-Sagapolu finished at .423 percent. In all, Webber hit .293 percent for the match, including a percentage of .364 in the second set, while FNU hit only .065 percent overall and was at -.048 percent after one set.
The Warriors had other contributions as
Valerie Vargas added 22 assists,
Nayrelis Pantoja Santos had 18 digs, Koenig finished with three blocks,
Gilmary Ramos had 12 assists and seven digs, and
Hannah Tannone had nine digs.
The Warriors have now won six straight and seven of their last eight matches this season, and have won six straight at home dating back to 2017.
Webber improves to 11-3 overall while FNU drops to 8-8 overall.
Next up, the Warriors return to Sun Conference action on Wednesday, September 26, at 7 p.m. at the Sabbagh Athletic Center to battle with Southeastern University, which like Webber, is currently unbeaten in TSC play.
