Lady Sharks Win 36th Southern Conference Title In Program’s History—Secure Spot At State Tournament
The Miami Dade College volleyball team won its 36th Southern Conference title Thursday night after defeating Eastern Florida State College (25-20, 19-25, 25-15, 25-18).
With the victory, the Lady Sharks qualified for the State Tournament on March 25-29. It will take place at Florida State College-Jacksonville.
“It’s really important that we maintain our focus on all the conference games because those are the most important ones,” said defensive specialist Paola Pimentel. “We feel good. It’s a great feeling knowing we’re on the top and that’s how it has to be.”
Through 14 games this season, the Lady Sharks have lost only four sets—two versus Daytona State College on Jan. 22 and Jan. 29, one to Palm Beach State College on Feb. 18 and one to Eastern Florida State College on Feb. 25—and remain the only undefeated team in the state.
They have been at the top spot of the National Junior College Athletic Association’s polls for five consecutive weeks.
During a normal season, the Lady Sharks travel across the country facing other top-ranked squads at invitational tournaments. In 2019, the team went to Idaho and Nevada to face teams like Utah State Eastern (ranked second this season), Snow College (ranked third) and Seward County Community College (ranked sixth).
This year, due to coronavirus precautions, the team hasn’t left the state but they have faced ranked top-teams such as N.8 Florida Southwestern State College (3-0) and N.18 Daytona State College (3-1, 3-1).
“Obviously we practice and play hard because we want to win and be the number one team,” said Lady Sharks’ Head Coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit. “But I’ve been the number one, number two, number 99. When you wake up you’re still gonna [work hard].”
Three sophomores on the team are ranked nationally in several statistical categories: setter Camila de la Rosa leads the nation with 11.33 assists per set, Pimentel is fourth with 6.85 digs per set, and outside hitter Erika Asencio is seventh with 4.46 kills per set.
The freshmen have also contributed. Middle blocker Brenda Arango is eighth in the nation with 1.49 in blocks per set and outside hitter Janelly Ceopa is averaging 3.53 kills per set.
Nationally, the Lady Sharks are ranked second in kills per set (14.09) and points per set (18.6), third in blocks per set (3.09), fourth in digs per set (20.57) and fifth in assists per set (12.59).
“We don’t have a free ride. Before we used to sweep everyone in our conference, now every time we play is a closer game,” Benoit said. “A couple of days ago we went 3-1 against Palm Beach. The last time that happened was like four or five years ago, so competition is getting stronger.”
Even though the squad had a limited pre-season due to the COVID-19 guidelines—with five players getting the virus in November—they have displayed great chemistry throughout the season. The team managed to integrate players from countries like Italy, Peru, Haiti and Brazil by sharing anecdotes through their group chats and cheering each other at games and practices.
With only four games remaining, the Lady Sharks will look to continue their undefeated season and then move on to the State Tournament.
“That’s one of the steps. That’s one of the goals that we had, which is to win conference, states and nationals,” Benoit said. “Now we have to work step-by-step and concentrate for the State Tournament.”
