November 5, 2016

Bradenton, FL - For the first time in school history the Santa Fe Saints volleyball team has advanced on to the NJCAA tournament in Casper, Wyoming.  SF defeated Mid-Florida Conference rivals the College of Central Florida 3-1 (25-15, 26-24, 23-25, 26-24) to earn the right to represent the FCSAA at the national tournament.  The win also puts the Saints (17-10) in the FCSAA championship game against Miami Dade on Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 PM. The game can be watched live at https://youtu.be/dsMG873zxn0
"I have never been around a team who totally gets what it takes to be successful," said SF Coach Nick Cheronis.  "Usually you have one or two who refuse to see the big picture and that's all it takes to derail your team's potential.  It's amazing to watch a team come together for one common cause.  I am so lucky to be a part of it."
The Saints came right out of the gates against a Patriots team that had defeated them twice during the regular season, and played with no fear, winning in convincing fashion 25-15. 
The second set was all CF at the start with the Patriots taking a 24-19 lead in what looked like would be come a 1-1 match.  That's when Santa Fe came alive, and scored an improbable seven straight points to shock the Patriots 26-24 and take a 2-0 lead. 
Central Florida jumped out to a big lead again in the third set, this time 16-7. But again the Saints rallied, scoring 10 straight points to take a 17-16 lead.  The teams battled back and forth down the stretch, but the Patriots were able to hang on for the 25-23 to make the match a 2-1 SF advantage.
The fourth set lived up to the expectations with the score going back and forth the whole way.  SF broke a 22-22 tie to go ahead 23-22 but CF answered and the teams traded points to make it 24-24.  The Saints settled down and put the last two points on the board, setting off a celebration on the court.
Sheyanne Sullivan led the way with 14 kills and Nadine Williams had 12.  As a team SF racked up 17 blocks and 95 digs

SF will play in the NJCAA Tournament in Casper, Wyoming on November 17-19, but first will play Miami Dade on Sunday for the FCSAA Championship at 2:00 PM.
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