Space Coast volleyball coach Jay Penn called the team’s Aug. 27 win over Titusville “not pretty” but praised junior Gwen Cotham for stepping up with 10 aces. The Vipers swept the Terriers in three sets to extend their win streak to five games. Penn said the team missed serves and failed to spread the ball effectively, relying too much on Cotham’s service line. “We have so much hitting talent,” he said. “We can’t have one person doing the whole thing.”
The Vipers took an early lead in the first set but saw Titusville cut the gap to 23-21. Cotham sealed the set with an ace, then helped Space Coast rally from a 10-9 deficit in the second set by scoring 13 straight points. The third set was never in doubt as the Vipers never trailed. “It was not our best, but we’re putting in the work,” Cotham said. “We need to fix some stuff, but we’re tired right now.”
Cotham’s performance was pivotal. She recorded four aces during Space Coast’s 13-0 run in the second set and closed out the first set with another ace. “I focus on what I can control,” Cotham said. “I put my energy into what I can do for my team.”
The win keeps Space Coast undefeated in the season’s early stretch. The Vipers’ next match is at home against Palm Bay on Sept. 2. Titusville, which fell to 0-5, will host Eau Gallie on Sept. 3. Penn said the team must improve fundamentals before facing stronger opponents. “We need to be ready for the little things,” he said. “We’re not where we were a week ago.”
Cotham’s 10 aces marked a career-high for the junior. Her performance drew praise from teammates but also scrutiny from Penn, who emphasized the need for more balanced play. “Gwen does her thing,” he said. “But we can’t rely on one person.”