Owls Hold Off Pesky FIU Squad in Four

Wednesday, October 29

Boca Raton, Fla.

7:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

16-8, 7-4

FIU

6-18, 3-8

FIU

FAU

10/29/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

Oct. 29, 2014

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla.- A career high 61 assists from Genesis Viera led the Florida Atlantic University volleyball squad to a 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 30-28, 25-21) win over FIU on Wednesday night. With the win, the Owls improve to 16-8 and 7-4 in C-USA play, while the Panthers fall to 6-18 overall and 3-8 in conference play.

In the first set, both teams exchanged points over the first moments of play. FAU took a lead as large as five points in the frame, but the Panthers rallied to within a single point at 22-21. However, two FIU attack errors and a Katarina Stepanovic kill gave the Owls a 25-22 victory.

The play on both sides of the net was disjointed for most of the second set, as neither team found a consistent rhythm. The Panthers were able to sustain enough momentum late in the set to take a 25-20 win and tie the match at one set each.

In the third set, the Owls overcame an early deficit and had to hold off a late Panther rally to post a 30-28 win to take the lead in the match. Both teams missed on two set point opportunities, but the third time was the charm for the Owls, as an FIU error ended the frame.

FIU wasted no time in the fourth set, quickly going ahead 12-5, forcing FAU to call a timeout. After using the break to calm their nerves, the Owls stormed back to tie the set at 16. The set would also be tied at 17, 18, 19 and 20 before FAU closed on a 5-1 run to take the match.

Stepanovic had a career high 17 kills to lead the Owls, who had four players with at least 10 in that category. Viera added 10 digs for her team best eighth double-double of the season.

The Owls will continue their homestand on Friday when they host Charlotte at 7 p.m. Live stats and live video of the match will be available at fausports.com. For tickets, contact the FAU Ticket Office at 1-866-FAU-OWLS.