The Hawks volleyball team is the hottest team in the conference. A 3-0 sweep of Sandhills Community College in front of a loud, green-clad crowd at Freeman Fieldhouse extended the team’s winning streak to ten matches and moved Palmetto Ridge into sole possession of first place in the CJCAC.
Sophomore outside hitter Jasmine Okoro led the way with 15 kills, while freshman setter Valentina Cruz, who grew up playing in Bogotá, Colombia, added 34 assists. Libero Kaylee Fontenot anchored the back row with 19 digs and has not missed a serve receive in three matches.
This group just trusts each other. We have players from four countries and three different states, and on the court they talk like they have known each other forever.
— Coach Teresa Lambright, Head Volleyball Coach
Strong in the classroom, too
The team carries a combined 3.4 GPA, and seven players are on track to transfer to four-year universities next fall. Several are studying nursing and health sciences, which means early-morning clinicals followed by afternoon practice.
The streak faces its biggest test yet when the Hawks host rival Lowcountry Tech on Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. in Freeman Fieldhouse. Students get in free with a Hawk ID, and the first 200 fans receive forest green rally towels. It is also Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night, so bring your favorite professor.