Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
-98,13 CUSA
Charlotte
-97,22 CUSA
Owls Drop Series to Charlotte
10/2/2021 7:09:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University volleyball team (9-8, 1-3 C-USA) battled through another tough Conference USA matchup on Saturday, eventually falling 3-1 to the Charlotte 49ers (9-7, 2-2 C-USA) despite a pair of breakout performances from freshman Noelle Stephens and sophomore outside hitter Halle Olson.
Olson made the most of her appearance in the starting lineup, finishing with seven kills, three blocks and three service aces - all season-highs - while Stephens came off the bench to deliver a career-best 21 assists.
Set 1
The first set began slowly for the Owls, who trailed 4-1 before rallying behind back-to-back kills by Christine Jarman to take a 9-7 lead. After a string of miscues, the Owls responded with a 10-6 run to make the score 20-18 in favor of the 49ers who threatened to close out the set. But Olson was able to find an extra gear and fired off three kills over the next five points, taking the lead back for FAU at 23-20. The final points of the set were a mere formality, and the Owls took set 1, 25-21.
Set 2
Set 2 brought with it a renewed vigor from the 49ers, and though the Owls found continued success in blocking many of their attacks, the high-volume nature of Charlotte's offense began to take its toll as they jumped out to a 9-6 lead. FAU middle blockers Alicia Hearn and Aniya Harvey each produced a fine defensive effort, ending their day with five blocks apiece, but the 49ers big hitters started rolling and Charlotte rode that momentum to a 25-17 set win, tying the match at one set each.
Set 3
In set 3, junior middle blocker Lauryn Green continued her outstanding recent play, notching three kills in the Owls' first four points. Katelynn Robine too kept the scoring train on track with five kills in the set as the Owls took a 16-8 lead and looked to have the third set in hand. But a frenzied rally by 49ers drew them level at 22-all, and with the Owls unable to mount a response, Charlotte finished off the set, 25-23.
Set 4
The fourth opened with a strong offensive showing from both sides as the teams fought their way to an 11-11 tie, with Robine and Green each showing up in key moments. From there however, Charlotte seized control, building a 19-13 lead they would not give up, eventually taking the set 25-18 and winning the match.
- Stephens set a career-high in assists with 21
- Olson finished with season-highs in kills (9), service aces (3) and blocks (3)
- Green has hit .375 or better in five straight matches
- Robine led the Owls with 13 kills on a .423 hitting percentage, her second highest this season
FAU will return home to Boca Raton to face the Marshall Thundering Herd in a two-game set on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9. First serve of match one is at 1 p.m.
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