Head coach Lori Bennett could not have asked for better hitting during the first two games at Florida State.

“We did a fantastic job against South Alabama and Stetson,” She said. “We hit the lights out against them”.

Bennett said she was pleased with her players’ performance in those games.

“In the two matches against South Alabama and Stetson I couldn’t ask for anything more,” she said.

Hitting percentage is a statistic that measures successful attempts.

After having just a .189 hitting percentage against Indiana State in the season opener, the Panthers (3-1) greatly improved their hitting for the tournament.

“We were .404 against South Alabama and .325 against Stetson,” she said. “Our goal is .260 to .270 so we definitely surpassed those numbers.”

Last Saturday against Florida State, a different percentage was seen.

“Against Florida State we only hit .083 and that was rough,” Bennett said.

The offense did not change, just the way the players were hitting, Bennett said.

“”They’re (Florida State) big and athletic, and they had a big block to deal with and a very good defense,” she said. “When we swung for kills we did well, but nobody wants to get stuff blocked so we’d back off a little bit.”

If the Panthers can keep up these current percentages from the first two game, they stand a good chance of winning the conference this year.

“Last year .268 won our conference,” Bennett said.

Crabtree has solid first week

Junior setter Maren Crabtree has built upon her impressive season-opening play at Indiana State.

Just three days after recording 66 assists against the Sycamores, Crabtree recorded her first double-double of the season against South Alabama. She finished the game with 40 assists and 12 digs.

“Well, Maren was fantastic over the weekend,” Bennett said. “She was very steady for us in every area. Serving, offensively, and defensively she was very good.”

Crabtree, who currently holds the school record for assists in one game, said it had not even occurred to her yet about her double-double.

“I don’t really think about it,” Crabtree said.

Bennett was happy with the job Crabtree did executing the offense all weekend at the FSU tournament.

“She very quickly had all three of the teams we played really frustrated at the offense we were running,” she said.

“She’s been an impact player ever since she’s been here,” Bennett said. “This year she’s really relaxed, making great decisions, working hard, and getting her teammates to play better every day.”