For the first time this year, the UNF girl’s volleyball team played against South Carolina State and Presbyterian on its new home court and dominated.

The Ospreys won 3-0 Sept. 9 against South Carolina State and 3-0 Sept. 10 against Presbyterian with strong hitting performances in both games.

“The girls had a lot to live up to playing on the home court,” said Kevin Campbell, head volleyball coach. “I reminded them that the last time we were at home was when we beat Jacksonville University to go to the conference championship.”

Helping make the team’s first home game wins successful were many new recruits and young players. This was the first time many of the players have played on their home court.

“This game was an improvement compared to the past two weeks,” said Casey Giovanazzi, a freshman setter on the UNF team.

Still in preseason, the Ospreys are striving toward their goal of making it back to the Atlantic Sun Conference championship.

“We stayed steady in our playing,” said Carolyn Jenkins, a junior middle-back. “We kept fighting and never stopped our game.”

Campbell said the athletes are learning to trust one another and getting the opportunity to really compete before conference play begins next week.

“Wins are wins,” Campbell said. “Any win is a step forward, and we are constantly growing as a team.”

The players were excited to compete at home.

“The energy was so high it was insane,” Giovanazzi said. “We were all dancing in the locker room and laughed at each other. It helps us mesh, too.”

Preseason comes to a close this weekend with the Ospreys playing four matches.

“Having so many preseason games prepares our new girls for this level of competition,” Campbell said. “If we keep competing with a professional demeanor, we’ll get done what we need to.”