Colorado State learns from loss as they took on No. 11 ranked Florida

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FORT COLLINS – In an avalanche of white-clad students, Colorado State took on No. 11 Florida in the annual White Out game. Last year, the Rams beat No. 10 ranked Kentucky but fell short against Florida losing 25-21, 25-21, 24-26, 25-11 going 3-1.

That third set, however, showcased CSU volleyball's strengths and the Moby Madness that comes along with it.

"I think this is one of the best college volleyball environments to play in," head coach Emily Kohan said. "Florida says that Kentucky would say that last year. So, it's an honor to have this be our home and we hope that they keep coming back."

But having to come back isn't only for fans, the Rams needed one going into the third set.

It was neck and neck throughout the first volleys. Everything changed when Florida was two points away from winning the entire match with a pair of sets already underneath its belt.

Something for the Rams clicked and slowly but surely, they built a lead over the Gators.

"I think we were angry," redshirt senior Malaya Jones said. "We wanted to come out swinging for the fences with a lot of fight. I think it was really a game changer in that third set."

CSU fought off a Florida match point to rally three straight points and take set three.

One of the standouts from the game was Jones being Jones, racking up 17 kills throughout the game getting into the pocket Florida's formations. However, the Gators had a not-so-secret weapon, six-foot-six Kennedy Martin.

The sophomore had 25 kills throughout the night and blocked almost everything CSU threw at her cementing Florida's lead throughout the first two sets.

"This whole past week we knew I was going to have a big block," sophomore Taylor Pagan said. "I was expecting to see high hands and I came to the game with this mindset that I am six-foot-six, and I can compete against this girl. That's what really saved me in the third set."

Friday was Pagan's first start. She played in the exhibition last Saturday and was prepped to go in and she proved she deserved to be there.

The outside hitter pounded nine kills, the second most of the night on CSU's roster behind Jones' 17. Even with that achievement her passing was one of her main contributions.

"Everybody likes Taylor's arm and how hard she hits," Kohan said. "But she did a crucial job in passing. You keep your feet underneath you and keep growing on it. I think she's got a really bright future for us."

With the addition of a new starter, the roster was missing its tried-and-true libero, redshirt junior Kate Yoshimoto.

Yoshimoto was out with a concussion and sitting on the sidelines cheering on her teammates and libero substitution junior Aine Doty a transfer from Idaho.

"Kate is fantastic," Jones said. "She digs balls left and right, but I think Aine stepped into the role and did a great job. It's a big stage for her first time playing such a big crowd like this. So, I can only commend her."

Learning from the loss is the main thing following this match against Florida.

Though none of the teams in the upcoming season are ranked right now, CSU wishes to play with the same fervor they had during the White Out.

"The first three sets were really competitive," Kohan said. "I thought we attacked right there with them. You have Kennedy Martin, whos' a really incredible player, and if we take her out of the equation, we were definitely right there with them."

The upcoming season for CSU volleyball is full of rivals and border wars but Moby Arena's White Out game shows what it's truly all about, those who come to support.

"It means everything," redshirt senior Malaya Jones said. "We wouldn't be able to do all of this without the people in the community. This is why I play on this team because of everyone and how much they support us."

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