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Video by Jas Chung-Campbell

The Jacksonville University Dolphins(13-8 overall, 7-1 ASUN) swept North Florida volleyball(9-16 overall,1-7 ASUN) in the second part of the River City Rumble at the UNF Arena on Oct. 20.

Unable to play on their home court of the historic Swisher Gym, the Dolphins had to come back to the UNF Arena to play what is considered Jacksonville University’s home match.

JU came out strong and  dominated the first set while they took full control of the game. The Dolphins went on a 4-0 run to start the games which set the tone for the rest of the set. After trailing the game 7-3, the Ospreys made some substitutions in hopes to slow the Dolphins down. This didn’t work. The Dolphins profited off of strong kills by their front row and Ospreys’ attack errors.

A major highlight in the first set was when the Ospreys went to spike the ball, but the Dolphins had the save of a lifetime. The Dolphins’ defense kicked the ball to save the volley. JU went on to win the volley and set 25-15.

Ready for redemption, the Ospreys came out stronger in the second set with a 4-4 tie early.

North Florida started to capitalize off Dolphins’ multiple errors to shift the momentum. JU answered back to regain control of the game and win the set 25-18.

Kicking off the third and final set, the Dolphins took the first point. JU had an early 4-1 lead, which they later pushed to a 7-3.

Unable to keep a steady rhythm, North Florida would do their best to try to fight through the tough spot they were in. Unfortunately for the Ospreys, the Dolphins defense would stay strong and their offense even stronger.

Head Coach Steve Loeswick reflected on the game and how he felt the team did.

“JU came out and kind of kicked us in the gut and we didn’t respond,” said Loeswick. “This wasn’t our best match up.”

With JU leading 17-11, the Loeswick called a timeout and hoped to slow down the Dolphins. After the timeout, JU had a few mess ups but got their head back in the game and focus on winning.

Unable to gain a lead the Ospreys lost the set 25-20 for the sweep. The Ospreys face the FGCU Eagles on Oct. 27 at the UNF Arena.

“We have a lot of good pieces and I believe in our girls,” Loeswick said.

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