Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
-910,15 CUSA
Marshall
-712,33 CUSA
FAU Drops Home Series to Marshall
10/9/2021 1:58:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University volleyball team (9-10, 1-5 C-USA) lost in straight sets to the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-12, 3-3 C-USA) on Saturday afternoon at FAU Arena.
Junior Halle Olson led the Owls attack for her first double-digit kill match of the season with ten, while sophomore defensive specialist Raine Lynch tallied season-highs in assists (4) and digs (12).
Set 1
Following the match on Friday, the Owls were well aware of Marshall's defensive prowess, and came out firing with a new offensive approach to try and fight through the staunch Herd front line. Owls outside hitter Christine Jarman found success early on with a pair of mighty swings, while Lauryn Green attacked steadily from the middle, adding a pair of kills of her own to make the score 9-7, Marshall. Eventually though, Herd defenders improved their net coverage and began to keep the Owls power hitters from dealing big strikes. This in turn, forced many FAU attempts wide and Marshall was able to score defensively. The Owls fought to keep the set in reach at 10-8, but Marshall soon pulled away and took the first set, 25-13.
Set 2
The second set started off with a bang for FAU as they got just what the doctor ordered in the form of a huge offensive response. The Owls came flying out on a 6-0 run to start the set, and following a Marshall timeout, extended their lead to seven with an ace by junior libero Camryn Vogler. But Marshall answered the bell following a timeout with their own big run, and before long, the set was tied, 9-9. Attrition ensued, with neither side able to mount a large enough rally to separate. Alicia Hearn broke the tie at 21 with a perfectly placed kill, but Marshall closed out with a short run, and took the set, 25-23.
Set 3
Set three found the Owls with their backs against the wall, and they were able to muster plenty of determination as they struggled to keep the match alive. Olson was brilliant, and early in the set, it looked as if the team could rally around her to make the comeback. Neither side led by more than two before Marshall opened a four-point gap at 11-7. A kill by Aniya Harvey drew the Owls closer, but they were unable to overcome the terrific play that Marshall continued to produce. The Owls would fight down to the wire, but Marshall kept them from mounting a late charge, and took the final set, 25-21, winning the match in three sets.
- Olson led the way with a season-high 10 kills
- Noelle Stephens has put up double-digit assists in three straight matches
- Green's two rejections extended her streak of matches with 1+ blocks to seven
- Lynch's four assists set a new career high
FAU's next series is on the road at FIU from Oct. 15-16 with both matches taking place at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
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