
In a match between the top two teams in the state, Polk State lost 3-1 to College of Central Florida today at the FCSAA State/NJCAA District Volleyball Tournament in Bradenton, Fla.
Central Florida (No. 1 FCSAA, No. 5 NJCAA) won the first set 25-21.
After the Patriots took a 14-6 lead in the third set, the Eagles fought back before falling 25-21.
The Eagles had a 12-8 lead in the final set but Central Florida rallied for a 25-23 victory.
"It's experience. We have a lot of freshmen here, and they need to understand what being here means. They're not playing like they need to do here."
Phoebe Wu had 23 kills, 19 digs, two blocks, and an assist.
Cristina Castillo recorded 38 assists, 12 digs, a kill, and a pair of aces.
Kathya Garcia made 10 kills, eight digs, four aces, and two blocks.
Keisha Santana added 20 digs and six assists
Alejandra Sanabria finished with six kills, a dig, and a block.
Anilise Fitzi had five kills, four blocks, and a dig.
Polk State plays the loser of today's Palm Beach-Santa Fe match tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the double-elimination tournament.