Gainesville, FL - The Santa Fe Saints hosted a conference matchup against the Miami Dade College Sharks. The backdrop to this encounter was the Saints' quest for redemption, following a disheartening 0-3 road loss to the Eastern Florida State College Titans just days prior. On the other side, the Sharks aimed to build on their recent success after securing a hard-fought 3-2 road victory against top ranked Florida Southwestern State College in their previous match.

In a closely contested battle, the Saints faced a large challenge against the Sharks, ultimately falling in three sets with scores of 25-14, 25-19, and 25-18.

Set 1: The game got off to a fiery start with Santa Fe notching the first point to lead 1-0. But the Sharks were quick to strike back, scoring the next four points and taking the lead at 4-1. The Saints, showing some real grit, managed to battle back and evened the score at 6-6, thanks to a service ace by Tamin Trott. The Sharks then surged ahead with a 10-7 lead. Larissa Seger-Griebeler made a spectacular play with a big kill, bringing the Saints back within two at 10-8. The Sharks didn't let up, keeping the pressure on and extending their lead to 15-10. An impressive kill by Aliyah Nields helped the Saints get back within four points, with the score at 15-11. The Saints clawed their way back to add three more points, but in the end, the Sharks proved too tough to handle, taking the first set with a score of 25-14.

Set 2: Once again, the Saints took an early 1-0 lead in the second set, thanks to a powerful kill by Aliyah Nields. Riley Solomon showcased her strength with a kill, tying the game at 2-2. Although the Sharks momentarily took the lead, a series of excellent serves by Soraya Nacero equalized the set at 8-8. A kill by Aliyah Nields brought the Saints within one point, at 10-9. An offensive error by the Sharks leveled the game at 10-10, and Tamin Trott subsequently delivered a pivotal kill, reclaiming the lead for the Saints at 11-10. Despite the Saints' lead, the Sharks mounted a comeback, reaching a 15-13 advantage. The Saints remained resilient, with Larissa Seger-Griebeler delivering a powerful kill to bring the score to 15-14. The Sharks eventually pulled ahead, leading to a final score of 25-19, despite the Saints' efforts.

Set 3: In a departure from the previous sets, the Sharks secured the first point of the third set. Immediately after that point, a set of impressive kills by Aliyah Nields and Albany Blanco allowed the Saints to establish an early 2-1 lead. A receiving error by the Sharks extended the Saints' lead to 3-1. A nice kill from Soraya Nacero maintained the Saints' advantage at 4-2. The Sharks then executed a four-point surge, regaining the lead at 6-4, until a Seger-Griebeler kill narrowed the deficit to one with the set at 5-6. The Sharks continued to hold the lead, but an offensive error brought the score to 14-11, with the Saints trailing by just three points. The back-and-forth battle between the Saints and Sharks continued, with Maria Contreras delivering an elegant tip over the net, bringing the score to 14-18, with the Sharks maintaining a four-point lead. The Saints valiantly tried to keep the game competitive to prevent a sweep. However, the Sharks embarked on a relentless run, leading to a final score of 25-18 in their favor.

As the final curtain falls on the 2023 season's last home game, we reflect on the unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and unwavering support that have defined this season. We would like to thank our dedicated fans, outstanding athletes, and everyone who made our home games a source of pride and inspiration.