Featured image by: Lili Weinstein

In a “win and you’re in” matchup to clinch a playoff berth, the Ospreys couldn’t deliver as the Flames won in four sets. 

The Ospreys took an 11-10 lead after a service ace from Grace Youngblood. As UNF led 21-17, the Flames began to chip away and scored four answered points to tie it at 21. In late battle, the Flames pulled away with a 27-25 win in the first set. Taryn Griffey and Solimar Cestero had five kills apiece in the loss.

The Flames opened up the second set with an 8-1 lead. The lead loomed too large as Liberty took the set, 25-10. Amelia Johnson led all with nine kills through the first two sets. UNF’s eight attack errors were costly in the second set. 

The Ospreys fought back as the third set opened up, leading 12-6. That deficit ignited the Flames to claw back within one as the Ospreys led, 17-16. UNF persevered and a kill from Cestero won the third set, 25-17. 

The Flames were lockdown in the fourth set, holding UNF to a minimal .033 hitting percentage and ultimately emerged victorious in a 25-14 match win. 

UNF Volleyball Head Coach Kristen Wright explained what led to Liberty taking the match in four sets.  

“They did a good job of stopping us from what we wanted to do,” Coach Wright said. “I feel like they served well enough to take us away from what we wanted to do.”

Griffey made UNF Volleyball history with a new D1 career record of 49 solo blocks. 

The loss drops UNF to 14-16 (6-8 ASUN) and Liberty improves to 17-9 (10-4 ASUN). 

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