Volleyball Drops Hard Fought Match to Rice

Sunday, September 27

Houston, Texas

2:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

9-6, 1-2

Rice

12-4, 2-0

FAU

Rice

9/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

Sept. 27, 2015

Box Score

HOUSTON, Texas. â€" The Florida Atlantic University volleyball team fought gamely, but lost in straight sets (25-20, 26-24, 26-24) to Rice on Sunday.

Maja Ristic led all players with 17 kills and Kristina Rankovic added 12 of her own. FAU and Rice were extremely close in several stat categories, with Rice edging out FAU in hitting percentage (.303 to .301), kills (50-48) and digs (48-46).

FAU (9-6, 1-2 C-USA) took an early 9-6 lead to begin the first set, but Rice (12-4, 2-0) battled back and the teams traded the lead for the remainder of the frame. Rankovic's fifth and final kill of the frame tied the score at 19, but Rice closed on a 6-1 run to take the first set.

The second stanza was a seesaw battle as the two teams traded the lead eight times. FAU looked to be in control with a 20-17 lead late through the set, but Rice used a quick 4-0 run to take a 21-20 lead. FAU battled back, going ahead 24-23. But once again the lead was short lived, as Rice finished the set with three straight points and earned a commanding 2-0 set lead.

The third set was similar to the second, with both sides fighting for control. FAU had another 24-23 lead before Rice clinched the match with another 3-0 run to close out the set.

FAU will return home next weekend to host UTEP at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. Live stats and live video will be available at fausports.com. For tickets, contact the FAU Ticket Office at 1-866-FAU-OWLS.