It has been another busy past few days for Florida State athletics, with two volleyball matches, a soccer game, and the final exhibitions for the men's and women's basketball teams. Some sports are nearly finished with the regular season, while others are just about to get started with competition that actually counts.
The volleyball team played in two matches over the weekend, going 1-1 and ending on a positive note as the final third of the season is quickly approaching. The soccer team was back in action against Notre Dame, but the loss ended the three-game winning streak the Seminoles had been brewing.
Both volleyball and soccer are heading into the final stages of the season, and the men's and women's basketball teams are now one step closer to tipping off the regular season. Both teams completed their final exhibitions of the preseason, and the regular season starts in less than a week for Florida State.
Volleyball loses to No. 3 Louisville, defeats Notre Dame to earn 11th win
After a difficult stretch of matches against No. 2 Pittsburgh and No. 5 SMU, Florida State returned home to Tallahassee to face No. 3 Louisville. The Cardinals won handily as the Seminoles lost their ninth-straight set during a stretch the team would like to forget.
The pain went away when Notre Dame visited the Tully Gymnasium on October 25, and the Seminoles delivered a statement 3-0 win over the Fighting Irish. Outside hitter Kyleene Filimaua led with 11 kills, while fellow outside hitter Payton Whalen recorded a new season-high eight kills. Whalen played 86 sets for the Seminoles last season but struggled to work her way back into the lineup this year, playing just 10 sets so far.
The win over Notre Dame was the type of mental boost the team needed after facing a buzzsaw of extremely talented teams. Florida State has a competitive roster, but the team is still pretty far away from matching the top tier of the ACC.
Florida State is back in action on October 30 in Blacksburg, as Virginia Tech will be hosting the lone meeting between the two teams this season.
Men's basketball, coach Luke Loucks defeat LSU to finish off the preseason
The men's basketball officially completed the preseason with an exhibition win over LSU inside the Tucker Center. The Tigers, who have been in the spotlight for coach Will Wade's unconventional roster-building strategies, traveled to Tallahassee to meet with coach Luke Loucks' new and improved roster.
Florida State looked strong during the 89-87 win over LSU, and most importantly, the team looks like a talented one from top to bottom in the small sample size. Fifth-year forward Alex Steen saw his first bit of action with the team since being cleared to return after a lengthy eligibility battle nearly forced him to play overseas.
It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the preseason, but none of the exhibitions truly mean anything. Florida State will suit up for the regular season opener on November 2 in Tampa against Florida A&M. The two teams will meet at Benchmark International Arena, the home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.
Florida State should not have a problem with Florida A&M, but the real question is how smooth and effortless the Seminoles can make the win look.
Soccer drops a tough game to No. 17 Notre Dame at the Seminole Soccer Complex
After a very promising stretch of seven matches without a defeat, the Seminoles streak came to a screeching halt against No. 17 Notre Dame in Tallahassee. Fighting Irish forward Izzy Engle opened the scoring up in the 14th minute with an assist from Lily Joseph, before returning with a brace in the 45th minute with an assist from Grace Restovich.
Seminoles' goalkeeper Kate Ockene made two saves, while Fighting Irish goalkeeper Sonoma Kasica stopped three shots. Florida State struggles to create chances for themselves, leading to the unfortunate loss at home.
The team must now prepare for another important game against Duke on October 29 at the Seminole Soccer Complex. Following the game against Duke, Florida State has two games left against Miami and Virginia Tech before completing the regular season.
Women's basketball closes out the preseason with a 106-40 exhibition win
The women's basketball team closed out the preseason in style with a 66-point win over Palm Beach Atlantic. The Seminoles had five players score double-digit points, with freshman forward Missy Odom leading the way with 19 points and seven rebounds.
Fifth-year guard Timaya Lewis-Eutsey again had an efficient night from the floor, missing one shot attempt and finishing the game with 16 points. Senior forward Aga Makurat played 29 minutes against Palm Beach Atlantic, recording 16 points and three rebounds. Emma Risch and Sole Williams rounded out the double-digit scorers for Florida State as 12 players saw the court during the final exhibition of the preseason.
The preparations against live competition are over, and now the team must prepare for the regular season opener against Merrimack on November 2. The Warriors have not fared well against non-conference opponents in recent years, and Florida State could really use a statement win to boost the morale on opening night.
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