Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
8-3
Florida Gulf Coast
7-4
Owls Down FGCU in Four
9/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Florida Atlantic University volleyball team defeated Florida Gulf Coast in four sets (25-22, 21-25, 26-24, 25-15) as part of the FGCU Invitational on Thursday night.
Kristina Rankovic's serving helped the Owls build a 7-1 lead in the first set. FGCU was able to pull within a point on five different occasions, but could never completely close the gap. The score was 23-22 late in the frame when kills by Brittney Brown and Abbi Reid gave the Owls a 1-0 lead.
FAU overcame an early deficit in the second set to take a 14-9 lead. However, FGCU refused to go away and eventually won the set 25-21. Set number three was a tug-of-war in the early going, with neither side able to maintain momentum. A 4-0 Owls' run gave them a 17-11 lead. The Eagles rallied to tie the score at 24. Gabriela Martin put down a kill and teamed with Gabrielle Dixon on a block to give FAU a two sets to one lead.
The Owls took control early in the fourth set and never relented, clinching the match with a 25-15 win. Maja Ristic had a career-high 26 kills and added 10 digs for her fourth double-double of the season. Martin added 10 kills and eight total blocks.
FAU will conclude the FGCU Invitational on Friday, when they play Ohio. The match is set for a 12:30 p.m. start and links to live stats will be available at fausports.com.
