FSU Volleyball Falls to Washington State in First Round of the NCAA Tournament

Unlike last season against Florida, Florida State was not able to extend its season by coming back from two sets down in the NCAA Tournament.

The Seminoles’ season came to a close in Lincoln, Nebraska on Friday night with a 4-set loss to Washington State in the first round. FSU was defeated 34-32, 25-14, 23-25, 25-13.

FSU had set point during a thrilling first set, but was never able to finish the Cougars (18-15) off in a set that went back and forth. Washington State was able to take the match by winning convincingly in the second and fourth set. The Seminoles avoided the sweep with a hard-fought 25-23 third set victory.

Washington State’s Taylor Mims finished a monster night with 28 kills and 22 digs. Alexis Dirige added 25 digs for the Cougars in the win.

For FSU (18-13), Taryn Knuth led the way with 16 kills while Natasha Calkins added 11. Cecilie Woie recorded a match-high 31 digs in the loss.

FSU’s season will end one round earlier than it did last year. The Cougars will move on to face either Stony Brook or No. 5 national seed Nebraska.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson