Pirates Punch Their Ticket to FCSAA Tournament

Pensacola State College Volleyball has officially secured a spot in the FCSAA Division II Championship Tournament, currently holding the No. 3 seed. The Pirates earned their place after a dominant three-match win streak last weekend, defeating South Florida State, Indian River, and Palm Beach State. They returned home for a highly anticipated rivalry match against Gulf Coast State, where the atmosphere was electric—fans and students packed the gym, energized by live music from DJ dr0ne.

In a special moment between sets two and three, the Pirates paused to recognize the achievements of the Northwest Florida Special Olympics Volleyball teams, celebrating their success in front of a lively crowd.

Match Recap: Pensacola State 1, Gulf Coast State 3
(25-16, 15-25, 15-25, 23-25)

The four-set showdown between nationally ranked No. 7 Pensacola and No. 6 Gulf Coast was a display of fierce defense and relentless offense. The Pirates came out strong in the first set, tallying 14 kills and hitting an impressive .313. However, Gulf Coast responded in the second set with aggressive play that disrupted Pensacola's rhythm. The Commodores seized control and maintained their momentum, keeping the Pirates at bay for the remainder of the match.

Despite the loss, Pensacola State gained valuable experience and insight, continuing to grow as a competitive force in the region.

Statistical Standouts:

• MB Reece Varden – 10 kills, 1 block
• OH Catie Woolf – 10 kills, 14 digs, 3 aces
• S Lauren Schuessler – 3 kills, 32 assists, 21 digs
• DS Olivia McDaniel – 16 digs
• L Addison Danforth – 12 digs, 5 assists

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 Pensacola Premier Tournament wraps up, the Pirates are set to face two formidable opponents. After sweeping No. 25 Jones College and No. 17 Illinois Central, Pensacola remains hungry for more. They'll take on Enterprise State at 3:00 p.m., followed by a highly anticipated matchup against No. 1 Heartland CC at 7:00 p.m.

Next, PSC heads south for their final tri-match weekend of Region 8 play, with a chance to climb the Sun-Lakes Conference rankings. With their spot in the FCSAA DII Region 8 Championship Tournament officially secured, the Pirates will compete at Indian River State College on November 7–8.

Photo Courtesy: Dan Farley