So many great things have fallen into place for our FIU Volleyball team since my last email. I have to think that all the hard work, focus and preparation are paying off but I will let you be the judge of that. First of all, our Sun Belt Conference home opening weekend on Oct. 2-4 was a total success as we beat both of our big conference rivals 3-1 , Western Kentucky (24-26, 25-16, 26-24, 25-13) and Middle Tennessee State (25-20, 27-29, 25-20, 26-24). Second of all, these big wins were witnessed by a packed U.S. Century Bank arena with our fans creating a great atmosphere that helped to motivate our team to win big. I want to personally thank you if you were one of those fans who turned out to support our team and urge you to continue your support as we work our way through the conference one victory at at a time.
Yarimar Rosa was tabbed the Sun Belt Conference Volleyball Player of the Week on Oct. 5 for the second straight week for her efforts in our two big wins. The honor was the 11th of its kind for Yari, a new Sun Belt record.
After those two big conference wins we didn’t have much time to rest as we prepared for our in-state rival Florida Atlantic. Our 3-0 win over FAU on Oct. 6 was our 15th overall and 5th conference win.
Our FIU volleyball squad marched on to secure our fourth consecutive unbeaten weekend on October 9-11 as we defeated Denver, 3-0 (28-26, 25-20, 25-23), and North Texas, 3-0, (25-22, 25-22, 25-23), on the road. We are off to the best start in school history with an overall record of 17-2 (7-0 SBC). Our team has won 10 straight matches and shut out 12 opponents on the year, including eight of its last 10. Our potent offense has outscored the opposition, 51-12, this season, while our defense has out-dug its last eight opponents and has held nine of its last 10 opponents to attack percentages of under .200.
This week started on the up side as we received some great news for our volleyball program. On Monday we found out that for the second time in school history, our FIU Volleyball team appeared in the AVCA Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll receiving nine votes. You can check the AVCA Top 25 Poll here:
In addition the first NCAA Women’s Volleyball Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) numbers are out and FIU is up front at 18 which is the highest position in FIU history. The closest competitor in our conference is Middle Tennessee at 47. We are in the company of Penn, Michigan, Florida State, Florida and LSU. Click Here
And finally we received notification on Monday was that our senior Yarimar Rosa had been tabbed Sun Belt Conference Volleyball Player of the Week for the third consecutive week, as determined by a vote of the league's 13 head coaches. Yarimar, who now owns a career Sun Belt record 12 SBC Player of the Week citations, was also recognized by The College Volleyball Update (CVU.com) as a Top Performer this week. Watch Yarimar in action in this video that was nominated for the AVCA Play of the Week: Click Here
If you missed our team in action two weeks ago, you have another chance this weekend as we are host Sun Belt Conference foes Troy on Friday, Oct. 16 and South Alabama on Sunday, Oct. 18. Our first serve against the Trojans is set for 6:30 p.m. while the match versus the Jaguars is set to begin at 1 p.m.
There are only six more home matches left this season, and only six more opportunities phenomenal group of athletes in action. The spirit and energy of our fans is integral to our success. We hope you will be there to cheer us on to victory!
Go Panthers!!!
Sincerely,
Coach Tomic
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