The Hawks clinched the title with a tough four-set defeat of Florida SouthWestern State College. 

 

Olivia Piazza led the Hawks with 16 kills, two blocks, 14 digs, and sophomore grit when we needed it the most.

 

“Olivia was ridiculous tonight,” said Larkin. “She showed our younger players what it takes to get the job done. I’m grateful for the effort.”

 

The Hawks also got 16 kills from Isabel Martin and 10 from Nadine Burbrink. Carol Benke anchored the defense with 24 digs. Both setters Mari Volponi and Zoe Konjer were called into action to close out the win.

 

The Hawks had 14 kills and no errors in set 3 to go up 2-1. In set 4, FSW made a furious comeback to level the score at 23, 24, and 25 before the Hawks stayed strong and closed out the set 27-25. HCC hit .293 for the match.

 

When asked about the win and her performance, Olivia remarked, “It feels amazing! We are all sore and exhausted, but it is so worth it. We just put our team on a banner. It doesn’t get better than that.”

 

This is HCC’s sixth Conference Championship. The Lady Hawks travel to Broward on Saturday for a tri-match against Daytona and Broward.

 

“Our student athletes did this,” said Coach Larkin. “I just had a front row seat.”

 

HCC is 21-4, 5-0.