FSCJ Volleyball schedule for the week of September 8-13, 2025
September 8, 2025

Manta Rays Start 1–2 in Conference, Road Stretch Ahead

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The Manta Rays closed out their first week of conference play at home with a 1–2 record, gaining valuable experience in front of their home crowd inside The Reef. The opening stretch tested the team's resilience and execution, as they battled through 15 competitive sets in just four days while showcasing flashes of strong momentum.

Head Coach Chelsea Hinck noted that while the results didn't all go the Manta Rays' way, the week provided a foundation for growth. "Conference play is a grind in the Sun-Lakes Region, and every match teaches us something new about ourselves," Coach Hinck said. "We've seen moments of what we're capable of, and now it's about putting those moments together consistently."

The Manta Rays' lone victory of the week highlighted the team's defensive tenacity and balanced offensive production, with multiple players stepping up to make timely contributions against tough match up vs. Indian River State College to earn the first home opening conference match since 2021. Despite tough losses throughout the remainder of the week, the group displayed a gritty potential and the ability to fight late into sets, something the program is looking to build on heading into the next stretch of the season.

Standout athletes 9/3-9/6:

  • Kennedy Walker 2 out of 3 matches hitting percentage above .250%, 17 sr attempts, 9 digs and 5 block assists
  • Kara Conyers 2 out of 3 matches hitting percentage .267% and above, 59 sr attempts, and 9 digs
  • Keira Hundley 2 out of 3 matches hitting percentage .200% and above, 8 digs, 4 block solos, 10 block assists, and 2 aces
  • Zoe Buchanan 1 match hitting percentage .400%
  • Maison Turner  2 out of 3 matches hitting percentage of .333% and above, 48 assists, 4 aces
  • Julissa Rivera 2 out of 3 matches hitting percentage .333% and above, 50 assists, 9 digs and 8 aces
  • Kira Cailteux with 29 digs, 69 sr attempts, 1 ace, and 10 assists

That next stretch comes quickly, as the Manta Rays now prepare for a demanding road swing with four matches in five days. The trip will mark the team's first extended test away from home during conference play.

"This is where we learn a lot about ourselves—how we respond to travel, how we handle back-to-back matches, and how we bring our energy on the road," Hinck says "It's an opportunity to grow and get stronger as a unit."

With the first week behind them, the Manta Rays are aiming to use their early lessons as fuel. The road ahead provides both challenge and opportunity—a chance to collect key conference wins, sharpen their identity, and continue building momentum deep into the season.

Next up: FSCJ takes on the Trinity College of Jacksonville Eagles on Tuesday, September 9th at 6:30 p.m. at TCJ.

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