Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
16-10, 8-6
WKU
24-3, 13-1
Owls Nab C-USA Bid Despite Loss to #24 WKU
11/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Despite a straight set loss to #24 WKU (25-13, 25-20, 28-26), the Florida Atlantic University volleyball team clinched a berth in the Conference USA tournament for the third consecutive season on Sunday. The Owls recognized their four seniors prior to the match.
FAU (16-10, 8-6) hit just .143 in the match, including an .030 mark in a first set that didn't start well for the Owls. Freshmen Abbi Reid and Gabriela Martin each posted eight kills to lead FAU and Martin had a .583 attack percentage.
FAU started slowly, falling into a 14-4 hole in the first set, and couldn't fully recover, never getting closer than eight points. The second set was tight in the early going, with neither the Owls, nor the Hilltoppers able to seize control of the action. WKU appeared ready to run away with the set after building a 14-9 lead, but the Owls were able to rally and knot the score at 18. However, a second WKU run put the set away and put FAU down two sets to none.
The Owls struggled out of the intermission and found themselves down 17-10 in the third set. FAU wouldn't go away and a Kristina Rankovic kill put WKU behind 23-22. The Owls had two chances to end the frame and force a fourth set, but couldn't capitalize. Three straight Hilltopper points sealed the sweep.
WKU improved to 24-3 overall and 13-1 in C-USA play with the win. However, due to the outcome of other matches around the league, FAU was still able to clinch a spot in the upcoming Conference USA tournament.
The Owls wrap up the regular season with a two match road trip, beginning Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. A link to live stats will be available at fausports.com.
