The Miami Dade College women’s volleyball team, outplayed, outhit and overpowered their opponents to capture the 2010 Florida Community College Athletic Association state championship.
The Lady Sharks (33-0) defeated St. Johns River Community College, Palm Beach State College, Hillsborough Community College, and Florida State College at Jacksonville in Winter Haven, Fla. on Nov. 4 –Nov. 6 to capture their fifth state title.
“It feels good to keep the state championship trophy home,” Head Coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit said.
On the first day of tournament, the Lady Sharks defeated St. Johns River Community College 25-10, 25-14, 25-17; sophomore opposite hitter Mima Hajdukovic led the attack with 19 assists.
“There was never a doubt,” Hajdukovic said. “We just played our game.”
The Lady Sharks beat Palm Beach State College on day two, 25-6, 24-26, 25-22, and 25-19.
“Palm Beach played well,” Benoit said. “They were good; it was a wake-up call for us.”
On day three, the Lady Sharks defeated Hillsborough Community College 25-12, 25-9, 25-17 and Florida State College at Jacksonville 25-16, 25-18, 25-11 to capture the title.
Freshman Middle Blocker Marifranchi Rodriguez was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. Rodriguez, Hajdukovic freshman outside hitter Kahoriz Feliz, and sophomore outside hitter Yenifer Calcano, were named to Florida Community College Athletic Association All- State Tournament Team.
“It’s a team effort,” Rodriguez said “We just have this unity from the starters, trainers and coaches.”
The team is now focused on the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I 2010 National Championship, which will be held on Nov. 18-Nov. 20 at Missouri State University-West Plains.
“We want to bring back the national championship trophy home,” Benoit said. “Our team is ranked No. 1 in the nation for a reason. We need just one more push to accomplish it.”
