Box Score WINTER HAVEN – No. 15 Polk State Volleyball came out on top in a Citrus Conference thriller on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles edged out No. 18 Eastern Florida State College in five sets to win their second straight match and clinch the regular season sweep of the Titans.
 
Dominance at the net was critical to the Eagles' (10-5, 6-2 Citrus) success against the Titans (9-5, 2-5 Citrus). Polk recorded 11 solo blocks and nine block assists as a team.
 
"Eastern was hungry for the win at our place after we beat them at their house," shared Polk State Head Coach Dayanna Barbosa. "Our team responded to a lot of high pressure moments and kept their composure to stay true to our game plan."
 
Sophomore outside hitter Crismeyli Rodriguez led the way for the Eagles, recording a career-high 20 kills while also notching 13 digs. Sophomore setter Madi O'Sullivan also had a remarkable day for Polk State, depositing 46 assists, the second-most of her collegiate career.
 
After dropping the first set to the Titans 25-16, the Eagles soared back to take the second session 25-17. Polk State opened the second set on a 9-1 run and never looked back.
 
The Titans regained the advantage in the match by taking the third set 25-21. However, Polk State retaliated with a convincing 25-11 win in set No. 4. The Eagles committed just three attack errors in 29 attempts in the set.
 
The fifth set featured six ties and four lead changes. Ultimately, it was the Eagles ending the decisive set on a 3-0 run that was punctuated by a kill from sophomore middle blocker A'lanae Margaritha to clinch the match for Polk State, 15-12.
 
Margaritha finished with seven kills, while sophomore outside hitter Keionna Mackey totaled 14 kills. Sophomore libero Irene Mostardini totaled 26 digs — her sixth match with 20 or more digs this season. Sophomore defensive specialist Faith Marquis turned in four service aces.
 
Polk State now heads to No. 17 Daytona State College on Wednesday for their second meeting of the season. Match time is set for 6 p.m.