Owls Split Series with Loss to Panthers

Saturday, October 16

Miami, Fla.

1 PM

Florida Atlantic

-1011,26 CUSA

FIU

-411,15 CUSA

Fla. Atlantic

FIU

10/16/2021 5:16:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University volleyball team (10-11, 2-6 C-USA) lost the second match of their series against rival FIU (4-11, 1-5 C-USA) on Saturday afternoon in three sets at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami.

Transfer outside hitter Christine Jarman led the Owls with 9 kills but it would not be enough to get past a vengeful FIU squad that played outstanding defense.

With the series split, the Owls will likely need three more victories out of their final four matches to realistically have a chance at making the Conference USA tournament.

How It Was Decided

Set 1
The first set saw both teams come out firing well as the Owls fought to replicate the results from the previous match. They were met by a resilient Panthers side that did not panic, even as FAU took an 8-4 lead behind three of Halle Olson's five kills in the first period. FIU took the lead with a run that was finally ended with a kill by Jarman, and the Owls trailed 18-12. Here, the teams traded three-point runs spurred by Lauryn Green who connected of each of her first three attacks. One memorable point saw Noelle Stephens and Camryn Volger combine for an unbelievable return after a deep ricochet had nearly gone into the stands. After pair of FAU kills, Aniya Harvey and Sonte Stewart combined for a double block to draw the Owls within three, at 22-19. However, FIU would get the final three points with kills and close out set 1.

Set 2
The second set began with setter MiaBella English in the rotation and the Owls were able to build a 8-5 as she found her teammates for three quick assists. After another Panthers run would take the lead 14-10 for the Panthers, FAU found themselves needing to dig deep. The response by the Owls - namely Olson - was tremendous as FAU took six of the next seven points to enjoy a slim 17-15 margin. At this, the Panthers stiffened on defense, while keeping their frontline attack with full force, enabling FIU to retake the advantage at 22-20. A brave effort from FAU would follow, with Jarman and Stewart each nailing a kill, but the strength of the FIU defense kept them in front as they finished off set 2, 25-23.

Set 3
Set three began with the Owls in need a of a spark, but the suffocating FIU defense prevented the big comeback from ever really starting. The Panthers struck out on a 10-2 run while FAU did all they could to keep the match within reach. Green, Stewart, and Jarman were each able to find paydirt, but the Owls offense was not able to overcome the 30 team blocks amassed by the Panthers in the match. FIU took the final set 25--9, winning the match.

Of Note

Stephens hauled in a career-high seven digs
Olson set a career-high in blocks with three
English continued her season-long streak of zero reception errors
Bartecka has recorded a block in six of her last eight contests

Up Next

FAU returns home to Boca Raton just in time for the biggest series of the season as a two game set against #21 Western Kentucky awaits on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22-23. Both matches will be played at FAU arena with first serve for each scheduled for 1 p.m.

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