WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Volleyball earned a momentous victory to open Citrus Conference play on Saturday afternoon at the Health Center. Fueled by sophomore Keionna Mackey's 19-kill performance, the Eagles defeated No. 15 Daytona State College in four sets.

The Eagles (2-3, 1-0 Citrus) won three straight sets over the Falcons (7-4, 0-1 Citrus) after dropping the opening session, 25-19.

Polk retaliated in the second set with a dominant 25-13 win. Mackey had five kills in each of the first two sets.

The Eagles used a 10-3 run in the middle of set three to take a 22-17 lead. Polk was able to fend off a late Daytona rally to close things out with 25-21 win and earn a 2-1 lead in the match.

The fourth set was the most competitive of the match, with neither team leading by more than four at any point. Mackey's 19th kill of the match put the Eagles ahead, 24-22. A Daytona State attack error cemented the victory for the Eagles.

"We had so much more energy and positivity out on the court," commented Mackey. "That gave all of us confidence to play the way we know we can."

Sophomore outside hitter Carolina Guerreiro Cruz joined Mackey in the double-digit kill club with 10 kills -- all of which occurred over the final two sets of play.

Polk State was dynamic at the service line as a team, with four different individuals helping amass eight aces in the match.

"Today, we were able to show what we have been practicing, which is big for our confidence," added Polk State Head Coach Dayanna Barbosa. "We also had our captain and setter (Madi O'Sullivan) back on the court, which made a huge difference."

The Eagles continue Citrus play on Wednesday in Melbourne against No. 7 Eastern Florida State College. Match time is set for 6 p.m.