Sharks Sweep Barton in National Semifinal Rematch
Nearly nine months after Miami Dade ended Barton's season in the NJCAA National Tournament semifinals, the two programs crossed paths again. Just like in Clarksville last November, the Sharks came out on top,this time in a dominant sweep, 3–0 (25–21, 25–15, 25–19) at the Victory Electric Classic.
Sophomore outside hitter Juliana Laguado Raigosa set the tone with 17 kills on .390 hitting, adding two aces and two blocks for a match-high 20 points. Luyeisy Marquez-Moreno followed with 13 kills, 14 digs, and three blocks, powering both sides of the floor. On the pins, Angelica Rodriguez chipped in nine kills and 11.5 points, while Paulina Agudelo and Katianna Mejía Betancur combined for key production from the service line.
At the helm of the offense, setter Eleonora Gicheva dished out 20 assists and three aces, while Luana Borsatto tallied 18 helpers of her own. Defensively, Miami Dade's back row was sharp, highlighted by Mejía Betancur's 12 digs and steady serve-receive.
After a tight opening set, the Sharks took full control in the second, limiting Barton to just four kills on .000 hitting. The third set saw Miami Dade close the door with its most efficient frame of the match, swinging .419 to cap off the sweep.
