FLORENCE, Ala. (October 27, 2023) – The North Alabama volleyball team makes another return to CB&S Bank Arena this weekend for a Saturday match against the Atlantic Sun Conference-leading FGCU Eagles at 6 p.m. in Florence.
Riding a four-match unbeaten run, the Lions extended their streak in a midweek matchup this past Wednesday on the road at Central Arkansas — a four-set victory. The win also clinched UNA's highest win total in a single season during the Division I era, as the Lions currently have 14 wins.
Tickets can be purchased through the ticket portal on roarlions.com, and live stats will be provided for the match through StatBroadcast. The match will also be livestreamed on ESPN+.
MATCHUP
North Alabama vs. FGCU
Saturday, October 28
6 p.m.
Game Notes | Live Stats | Tickets | Watch
NOTES
Setting the Record Straight: North Alabama Volleyball set a program record on Oct. 25, 2023, when the Lions surpassed their highest win total in a season in the Division I era with their 14th victory. Making the return trip to Conway, Ark. for the second meeting against the Sugar Bears of Central Arkansas, UNA took a four-set victory over UCA to achieve the historic feat with five matches to go in the season.
First Honors for Floyd: Floyd's big weekend on the court was culminated in her first ASUN Volleyball Player of the Week honor on Oct. 23. Floyd averaged 16.5 kills and 12 digs per match in four-set wins against North Florida and Jacksonville, totaling 33 kills in the two matches. Defensively, Floyd tallied 24 digs and was solid receiving serves with a .964 service reception percentage on 56 attempts. She also provided a block and an assist.
Somebody Who Can Do Both: Graduate middle blocker Anna Katherine Griggs has proven to be a threat on both sides of the net this season, as she ranks top 10 in kills, hitting percentage, blocks and points in the ASUN. She is currently leading the conference in hitting percentage with .407, eighth in kills with 251, fourth in blocks with 80 and seventh in points with 297.
Meeting History: UNA takes on FGCU for the seventh time in history, which all have come in ASUN competitions. The Lions will be looking to get their first win against the Eagles, with FGCU leading the series, 6-0. In the lone meeting last season, the Eagles defeated the Lions in CB&S Bank Arena in straight sets on Oct. 16, 2022.
Scouting the Eagles: FGCU (19-5, 11-0 ASUN) will make the trip to Florence for the fourth time overall and the first time this season. The top team in the ASUN Conference standings, the Eagles are riding a 12-match win streak — having already clinched an ASUN Championship berth. FGCU has a solid defense, leading the conference in average for blocks, opponent hitting percentage and opponent assists while ranking second in opponent kills. Senior middle blocker Juliana Lentz plays an instrumental role in the Eagles' defense, as she currently leads the conference in total blocks and block average with 120 and 1.35, respectively. FGCU is coached by Matt Botsford in his 10th year with the team.
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