BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University volleyball team (1-7, 1-5) returned home to play host to Conference USA foe Charlotte (8-4, 6-3) on Sunday. It was just the second home match Owls fans have been treated to in 2020-21, and despite the 3-1 loss to the 49ers, there is a noticeable difference surrounding the young Owls as they continue to grow with experience.
The two teams were tied eight times in the first set, but Charlotte surrendered the lead just once. The second set was similar, but you could see FAU begin to build its momentum with two lead changes, and then the Owls controlled the third set. The fourth and final set saw FAU lead much of the way, but hit a roadblock in their attempt to close out the match. Once the Owls secured the 20th point, it was like sounding an alarm for a much more mature Charlotte squad, who battled back, taking the set 25-23 and the match 25-18, 25-18, 20-25, 25-23.
Halle Olson saw more playing time on Sunday and the freshman delivered with 11 kills in 32 attempts
Fellow freshman
Nikola Bartecka also tallied 11 kills and continued to lead the Owls with three blocks
A third freshman,
Alicia Hearns, matched Bartecka with three blocks and added six kills
The Owls' attack was guided by freshman
MiaBella English and sophomore
Stephanie Young would have 23 and 20 assists, respectively
A total of four Owls tallied double digit digs, led by junior
Scherine Dahoue's 12, while Young,
Raine Lynch and
Camryn Vogler added 11 each
The two teams are scheduled to face each other again at noon on Monday. FAU will then travel to Marshall for matches on Sunday and Monday, March 14 and 15. Follow the Owls socially @fauvolleyball or visit www.fausports.com.