Miami Dade Falls to FSW Bucs in NJCAA National Championship

In a battle of titans at the Dunn Center in Clarksville, Tennessee, the Miami Dade Sharks remarkable volleyball season came to a close as they fell to the reigning three-time national champions, Florida Southwestern State College Buccaneers, in straight sets (16-25, 18-25, 20-25). The Buccaneers showcased why they've become a dynasty, claiming their third consecutive title.

From the outset, the Bucs controlled the tempo, leveraging an efficient attack spearheaded by Julija Grubisic Cabo and Abby Toeniskoetter. Cabo tallied 12 kills and a .296 hitting percentage, while Toeniskoetter led all players with 13 kills at an astonishing .611 clip. Their performance, combined with setter Camilla Brandalise's 23 assists, kept Miami Dade's defense on its heels.

For Miami Dade, the road to the championship was marked by grit and determination. The Sharks, led by standout performances throughout the season, entered the final match with a 25-3 record, including numerous dominant showings. But against an FSW squad that excelled at both net play and defensive coverage, Miami Dade struggled to find offensive consistency.

The Sharks were anchored by Katielle Alonzo, who posted six kills and contributed to their team's total of 24 kills. Esthefany Rabit added a steady presence with four kills, three blocks, and a service ace, while libero Mia Martinez did her best to stabilize the backcourt with a team-high 12 digs. Unfortunately, the Sharks were plagued by errors, finishing with a .049 hitting percentage compared to the Bucs' .290.

Each set saw Miami Dade clawing for momentum, but the Bucs' disciplined play and timely adjustments proved insurmountable. In the third set, Miami Dade mounted their strongest push, closing the gap to within a few points thanks to contributions from Juliana Laguado Raigosa and Paulina Agudelo Marin. However, Toeniskoetter's dominance at the net and the Bucs' relentless blocking sealed the Sharks' fate.

For the Sharks, this season still stands as a monumental success. Reaching the National Championship is a testament to their hard work, and unity under pressure.