Miami, Nov. 5, 2017 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) women’s volleyball team, the Lady Sharks, have once again won the coveted 2017 FCSAA State Volleyball Tournament.
“I am very proud of our stellar student athletes, and commend them for their great performance. Most important, I applaud their incredible commitment and sportsmanship. Thank you, Lady Sharks, for giving your all to your team and your College, and for your outstanding contribution to MDC’s long and successful history in collegiate sports. Kudos to Coach Benoit and staff,” said MDC’s President, Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón.
The Lady Sharks defeated Polk State College in the final match to win the state championship.
After the championship game, several players received FCSAA honors including Rafaella Bonifacio, Sun Wenting, Massiel Matos, Camila Gomez Hernandez, and Tiziana Baumrukova were named to the 2017 FCSAA All-Tournament Team. Sophomore Massiel Matos was named Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, and Head Coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit was named the 2017 FCSAA Coach of the Year.
This season’s victories mirror the team’s outstanding performance last year, when they wrapped up a stellar undefeated post season by bringing home their ninth NJCAA Volleyball National Championship title. The NJCAA Volleyball National Tournament is Nov. 16-18.
MDC’s Department of Athletics prides itself in the sponsorship of academic development and promotion of sports. MDC teams have earned a total of 33 NJCAA national titles, including 13 in women’s sports.
The intercollegiate athletic program at MDC works in partnership with its dynamic, multi-cultural community to provide accessible and high-quality guidance and direction by keeping the needs of the student-athlete at the center of all decision-making. Go Sharks!
For more information, please contact Shaheem Sutherland at ssutherl@mdc.edu or 305-237-2753.