(Lincoln, Rhode Island) This weekend the Tigers competed in the Community College of Rhode Island Tournament all the way in Lincoln, RI. The team was in great spirits coming off of last weeks solid wins against the Borough of Manhattan Community College. It was evident from the solemn, focused atmosphere on the bus ride to Rhode Island that the Tigers didn't travel their tails all the way there, to go down without a fight.

Competing against out of state teams was a new league for the Tigers. They stayed composed however and never let their nerves show. Like true warriors of course.

In the first set of games against Hartford Community College, FIT executed beautifully, and came out on top, winning (26, 24) and (25, 19). Hannah Edwards had crazy coverage of the back row with 11 digs and 7 serve receives. Julia Corbitt also took names, clocking 5 kills and 7 digs.

Then came the Lady Dragons from Howard Community College. The next set of games showed major strides of confidence. Hannah Edwards once again was an All-Star in the back row with 12 total digs. That a way, Hannah! Cassandra Burdick was the ultimate teammate, recording a total of 21 assists. The Tigers went on to win the set finishing (26,24) and (25,20). 

The next victim on the road to the ship was the Bulldogs of Bunkerhill Community College. It had been a grueling day of match after match. The winning streak was helping to keep the Tigers alive and alert though. They swept Bunkerhill (25,11) and (25,9). Vanessa Bennish took charge in both the all over the court, posting 5 kills and 10 digs.

On a 6 game winning streak, the Tigers were ready to stop at nothing to advance to the championship playoffs the next day.

Day 2 of the CCRI Tournament:

(Lincoln, Rhode Island) The Tigers came into the gym refueled and ready to continue their domination in the CCRI tournament on Sunday, September 20.

The first game of the day, added two more wins to the Tigers lucky streak, leaving them up 8-0. They played awesome offense against NHTI finishing (25,13) and (25,15). Darina Relyea lead the team with 4 kills, while 20 assists came from Cassandra Burdick.

Then the Tigers found themselves face to face with CCRI on their home turf. Slightly intimidated and a few minor mistakes later they dropped their first set (20, 25). They made a come back in the second (25,15), but just couldn't get the job done in the final set, loosing (7,15).

Loosing against CCRI was definitely a wake up call, and FIT knew they were going to have to bring it to take the championship title. But they were ready for the challenge. 

Howard Community College was waiting for FIT as they entered championship play. 

This was it. For all the marbles. The championship game. Although the Tigers had already gutted out 10 plus games to get to the championship game, they knew what they had to do, and execution was the only thing on their minds. Superb passing, driven serves, and a high level of energy between the ladies gave them the perfect mixture to take the first set (25, 17). Howard took the lead early in the second set, but the Tigers kept on them, and took over, crushing them again (25,17)!

AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!! Not only because this was a great tournament for the Tigers, but because the screaming fans could tell that this was the start of a new beginning for Tiger Volleyball. They way the team meshed and came together this week, was just the gel that needed to be set to move the team forward before the Region match at the end of October. All-Stars to note in this championship game were Jenna Dickey who tallied 6 kills, while Hannah Edwards recorded 16 digs.

The Tigers grueling schedule doesn't let up, as next weekend the team dashes up to Monroe College for the annual Monroe Tournament. You won't want to miss the Tigers while they are on fire!