Pirates Go 3-1 Against Nationally Ranked Opponents

Pensacola State hosted five nationally ranked teams last weekend in the 2025 Pensacola Premier. The Pirates finished the tournament 3-1, picking up wins against the no. 17, no. 25 and the most-recently ranked no. 24 Enterprise State.

Pensacola State 3, Jones 0

(27-25, 25-15, 25-22)

No. 7 Pensacola played their opening match against no. 25 Jones Thursday afternoon. PSC remained the aggressor throughout the entire match, earning 40 kills, nine aces and seven blocks against the Bobcats. Set one was a statistical high of the match for the Pirates: 18 kills and four aces. Momentum remained in favor of Pensacola until late in the third set, when Jones pushed their way to 22-24 but PSC secured the match 25-22.

Pensacola State 3, Illinois Central 0

(25-19, 25-12, 25-23)

The Pirates returned to their court for the final match of the day against no. 17 Illinois Central. PSC made another decision to take care of business against the ranked opponent and swept the Cougars in three solid sets. It was another offensive exhibition for PSC with a team hitting average of .333. Middle blocker Reece Varden held the torch for her team and earned 12 kills, hitting a .450 average. Right side, Sofia Ortiz locked in eight kills with a .300 average. Freshman setter Kendall Judge led in assists with 18, and Schuessler tagged along with 16.

Pensacola State 3, Enterprise State 2

(20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 25-12, 15-12)

Pensacola State entered their match against Enterprise State anticipating a strong fight from the Bollweevils after their hot upset against No. 1 Heartland CC. The Pirates tried to offset Enterprise, but they made early pushes and secured the first two sets. In the most unlikely of odds, Pensacola decided to rise in the third set and turn the match around. Once they snagged the third after a tight battle, PSC carried momentum over into the last two sets, giving them the gusto to secure the reverse sweep victory. Pensacola's middle blockers Danielle Lee and Reece Varden took over the offense; Lee (17 kills, five block assists) and Varden (17 kills, eight block assists). Schuessler and Judge orchestrated the Pirates' offense with 51 assists. Outside hitter Catie Woolf manhandled defense and tallied 20 digs. Libero Addison Danforth made 15 digs, while Judge (14) and Schuessler (10) also made their way into double digits.

Pensacola State 0, Heartland 3

(19-25, 23-25, 22-25)

PSC's final match of the tournament and the last on their home court for the season involved the no. 1 Heartland CC. The Pirates made their best efforts, but fell short to the Hawks in three sets. Pensacola walked away from the match knowing that they gained more experience and knowledge to better prepare for their next three matches. Statistical standouts for PSC: Reece Varden, 10 kills one block assist, one solo block; Taegan Scott, eight kills, 2 block assists; Catie Woolf 13 digs; Addison Danforth, 10 digs.

Statistical Standouts on the weekend:

MB Reece Varden: 57 kills, 7.5 blocks

MB Danielle Lee: 38 kills, 8 blocks

OH Catie Woolf: 37 kills, 65 digs, nine service aces

S Lauren Schuessler: 112 assists, 49 digs, four service aces

S Kendall Judge: 76 assists, 38 digs, seven service aces

L Addison Danforth: 65 digs, 23 assists, six service aces

Photo Courtesy: Dan Farley