GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Suncoast Conference play got underway inside the Santa Fe Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon, and SF Volleyball was tasked with a tough challenge in No. 8 Miami Dade.

Despite a strong start to the match from the Saints, the Sharks were able to get the 3-0 result, 27-25, 25-20, 25-12.

The Saints' serving was excellent in Set 1, and SF seemed to have Miami Dade uncomfortable and off-balance to begin. A big run for the Saints opened up a 19-13 lead, and it appeared as if SF may be on its way to jumping in front 1-0.

The Sharks, however, turned the tide, and were able to go on a 9-1 run to take a 22-20 advantage. After tying it at 22-22, the Saints soon faced two set points trailing 24-22.

The plot thickened when Keionna Mackey found the line with a kill from the left side, then tied it at 24-24 with a tip kill. The Saints fought off a third set point when trailing 24-25, on yet another Mackey kill, but the Sharks had the final say with the set's final two points.

SF never really was able to overcome a slow start to the second set, finding themselves in a 10-5 hole.

Later when trailing 21-13, back-to-back aces from Katelyn Crofts gave the Saints a spark. SF fought off three set points once again in Set 2, but MDC found a kill to go in front 2-0.

Miami Dade continued to flex its muscle in the third set, going on to win their seventh consecutive match. SF fell to 3-2 overall.

Full stats from Saturday's play will be provided as soon as possible at santafesaints.com.

UP NEXT

The Saints will be at home for nonconference play next Tuesday, Sept. 6 vs. St. Johns River State College. The first serve is set for 6:00 p.m.