The FAMU volleyball team concluded its regular season with a statement, sweeping both Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State in commanding fashion on the road this past weekend. The strong finish provides a surge of momentum as the Rattlers prepare to host the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) tournament this Friday in Tallahassee as the defending champions.
On Friday, the Rattlers (11-16, 9-7 SWAC) made quick work of Mississippi Valley State, securing a 3-0 victory (25-16, 25-10, 25-19) with a display of offensive efficiency and defensive discipline. The team never trailed significantly, controlling the tempo from the first serve.
The momentum carried into Sunday at the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center, where FAMU delivered another decisive performance against the Jackson State Lady Tigers. Once again, the match ended in a straight-sets sweep, with the Rattlers demonstrating notable poise during critical moments before pulling away decisively in each frame.
“We executed our game plan with focus and intensity this entire trip,” said head coach Gokhan Yilmaz, whose team hit a collective .400 in the final match. “To close the regular season with two strong road wins is exactly the confidence booster we needed. We’re peaking at the right time, and the team is locked in.”
Despite finishing with a 9-7 record in conference play, the Rattlers earned the No. 8 seed in the upcoming SWAC tournament. However, they carry the dual advantage of being the defending titleholders and hosting the event at the Al Lawson Center, a factor that could provide a significant boost.
The team’s recent performances suggest a group hitting its stride. The balanced attack, combined with stout net defense, has made the Rattlers a formidable opponent as the postseason begins.
The SWAC tournament kicks off on Friday, with the Rattlers aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the conference’s restructuring. Their journey to repeat starts on their home floor, where they hope to channel the same authority they displayed on the road.