Perfect :(Above) Miami Dade College middle blocker Marifanch Rodriguez spikes the ball as the Lady Sharks keep pace on a perfect season.
For the sixth year in a row, Miami Dade College’s women’s volleyball team has won the Southern Conference Tournament.
Despite not having three of their players available, the Lady Sharks defeated Palm Beach State College, Indian River State College, Brevard College and Broward College in Titusville, Fla., on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.
The Lady Sharks are 29-0 and finished 12-0 overall in conference play.
“It didn’t matter who played or did not, a lot of the kids stepped up and did a good job,” said Head Coach Origenes “ Kiko” Benoit.
The team was without sophomore outside hitter Yenifer Calcano, who rested with knee tendinitis, freshmen middle blocker Marifranchi Rodriguez, who was out with a flu, and freshmen setter Paige Mitchell, who is recovering from back problems.
“We didn’t lose one set, even though two of our best players, Rodriguez and Calcano, did not play,” said sophomore setter Mima Hajdukovic, who had 66 assists in the final two games of the tournament.
During the tournament, the Lady Sharks defeated Palm Beach State College 25-13, 25-10, 25-17; Indian River State College 25-15, 25-16, 25-17; Brevard College 25- 13, 25-9, 25-14 and Broward College 25-8, 25-17, 25-9.
The Lady Sharks ranked No. 1 in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
They will now move on to the State Championships at Polk Community College Nov. 4 through Nov. 6. “If we play like we know how to, I don’t think we will have any trouble,” Benoit said.
