BUF Volleyball vs Coastal Alabama as players compete for final points in a set. The scoreboard reads Home (24) and Visitor (23)

General 9/14/2025 7:34:00 PM Nathan Cloer

Silver linings and record breaking performances despite setbacks in opening home weekend for the Lady Eagles

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
Graceville, FL- Friday, September 12^th was the first home athletic contest at Baptist University of Florida (BUF) as an official member of the NCCAA. BUF's volleyball team played Bob Jones University (BJU), whom BUF had beaten 3 sets to 1 the previous weekend in Greenville. The BUF student body and others created a great atmosphere, the new bleachers were filled, the new pre-game video introductions were powerful, and the "Eagles Nest" was loud.

Volleyball players celebrate during a match

The Lady Eagles started slow in set 1. BUF never led in the set, while playing from behind was an issue for us. Bob Jones jumped out to an early lead and did not relent, winning 25-14. Set 2 was a similar story, but BUF was able to find something in this set. Despite being down 1-8 to start, it was 16-17 for the final 33 points. Coach Thais Franca played some lineups she had not played in Greenville that helped BUF start winning points. Deliani Cruz and Hailey Moody were two new players who were able to help get the momentum going for the Eagles.

In each set, BUF went down at least 0-4 to start, and set 3 was no different. After BJU was up 9-4, BUF started to close the gap, cutting the deficit to 1 at 12-13 and then tying it at 16-16. The momentum swung back to BJU as they went on a 5-0 run, then back to us on 5-0 run. The score was tied at 21, and then again at 23. BUF took their first lead of the day at 24-23, and then were tied at 24 and 25. The close of this set was shaping up to look like the last time we played BJU, but Bob Jones was determined to make this different. They came determined to spoil our home opener, and they did just that. BJU won the final 2 points and collectively swept the day.

Saturday, September 13^th , Coastal Alabama Community College came to Graceville to play against BUF. Coastal Alabama is a team with a winning record and is coached by someone in their 12^th season. The Eagles were in for a tough test.

Barbara Demarco played libero and wore the non-white jersey. Set 1 began as a close game. Unlike their game against Bob Jones the day before, BUF led at the beginning, up 2-1 and then 9-8. The score was tied at 15, and then BUF went on a run, going up 18-15. Coastal Alabama called a timeout. From that point, Coastal Alabama won 10 of the next 11 points and took the set 25-19.

In set 2, apart from a tie at 1-1, BUF remained strong and in control, and won the set 25-20.

BUF led 3-2 in set 3, but gave up the lead, going down 5 points midway, and had to fight to regain it. The Eagles were able to get the lead again at 19-18 but struggled to close and dropped set 3, 25-23.

Set 4 BUF did the opposite, they started out strong and were up 10-5 before Coastal Alabama charged back to tie it at 11 and extend the margin to 16-21. The swings in this set continued as BUF fought back, winning the next 5 points and tying it at 21. Then the match was tied at 22, 23, 24, and 25. This fourth set was intense with some long rallies and significant swings. The point to tie it at 22 was a big kill by Rebeca Correa. To tie it at 25, another big kill by Isabela Acevedo (who had 16 across the 5 sets). To put the set away, 28-26 Szonja Csabai jumped up to hammer it for the Eagles and to force a 5^th set. Csabai played awesome this game and for the second occasion this year had an attack percentage above 50 (.531). She also finished with 20 kills setting the individual record for kills in a game for NCCAA division II this season. Nevaeh Peery was the setter for all 5 sets and played very well, finishing with 59 assists! She broke the NCCAA single game record by 19! Cruz, who played in just 3 of the 13 sets in Greenville, played in all 5 sets of this game. She finished with 16 kills, tieing her with Isabela Acevedo for the game. Good for 4th most in a game this season in the NCCAA individual game records for the 2025 season. The Eagles were unable to win the 5^th set; however, they lost 9-15, but they battled throughout. Making this a 5-set match was impressive.

It was clear to see the BUF team grow during the two matches against BJU and Coastal Alabama. While BUF did not get the results they wanted, the effort and resolve were promising as BUF prepares for their next match at home on September 17 against Enterprise State Community College.

Coach Thais Franca speaks with volleyball players during their game against BJU

Coach Thais Franca speaks with volleyball players during their game against BJU

Watch the Lady Eagles Live: Catch all the action from home! The Lady Eagles will play next at home on Wednesday, September 17^th at 5pm (central) vs Enterprise State Community College. You can stream every home game this season by signing up at bufeagles.com/livestream

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Players Mentioned

#2 Barbara Demarco: L/DS; 5' 3"; Junior

#8 Isabela Acevedo: OH/RS; 5' 7"; Freshman

#3 Hailey Moody: MH/RS; 5' 10"; Freshman

#9 Deliani Cruz: OH/RS; 5' 10"; Freshman

#18 Rebeca Correa: OH/RS; 5' 9"; Junior

#22 Szonja Csabai: MB; 6' 0"; Junior

#14 Nevaeh Peery: S/DS; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#2 Barbara Demarco
: 5' 3"; Junior
: L/DS

#8 Isabela Acevedo
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: OH/RS

#3 Hailey Moody
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: MH/RS

#9 Deliani Cruz
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: OH/RS

#18 Rebeca Correa
: 5' 9"; Junior
: OH/RS

#22 Szonja Csabai
: 6' 0"; Junior
: MB

#14 Nevaeh Peery
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: S/DS

Players Mentioned

Players Mentioned

Scoreboard