Sharks lose in State Title Match

The Miami Dade Sharks fought hard in the FCSAA State Finals but ultimately fell to Florida Southwestern State College in a 3-0 sweep, with set scores of 22-25, 24-26, and 17-25. The loss brings Miami Dade's record to 21-2, while Florida Southwestern improved to 21-1 and secured their third straight championship title.

The match opened with a closely contested first set, where the Sharks managed an impressive 18 kills but were outdone by Florida Southwestern's efficient .333 hitting percentage. In the second set, Miami Dade pushed the Buccaneers to the edge, hitting .270 and coming within two points of a win, but Florida Southwestern edged them out again, closing at 26-24. By the third set, Florida Southwestern's dominance showed through, hitting .385 and limiting the Sharks to a .189 percentage.

Miami Dade's Katielle Alonzo led the offensive efforts with 12 kills on a .240 hitting percentage, followed by Juliana Laguado Raigosa's efficient .360 with 9 kills. Esthefany Rabit also made significant contributions, scoring 6 kills on an impressive .417 percentage. Mia Martinez anchored the defense with 14 digs, while setter Maria Clara Antunes contributed 18 assists.

Florida Southwestern showcased a balanced and powerful offense, with Julija Grubisic Cabo leading all players with 15 kills and a .344 hitting percentage. Abby Toeniskoetter and Giovanna Rocha also excelled, adding 11 and 9 kills respectively, with Rocha hitting an impressive .529. The Buccaneers' well-rounded defense and strong net play proved crucial, as they out-blocked Miami Dade and won the serve game, with two aces to the Sharks' single service ace.

Despite the hard-fought battle, Miami Dade's quest for the  state championship ended in the finals. However, Kiko Benoit's squad now heads to Spartanburg, SC where they'll play for the Atlantic District Championship for a bid to the NJCAA National Tournament.