FLORENCE, Ala. (October 28, 2023) – North Alabama Volleyball dropped a three-set match to Atlantic Sun Conference-leading FGCU Saturday night at CB&S Bank Arena inside Flowers Hall in Florence despite a strong third set effort in hopes of extending the match.
The loss moved UNA's record to 14-10 overall and brought their conference record back to an even 6-6. The loss was only the second home defeat for UNA this season and snapped a four-match winning streak. Meanwhile, FGCU remains unbeaten in ASUN play with 12 wins, while improving to 20-5 overall.
FGCU took the first set by 10 points, but North Alabama made it a more competitive match as the sets went on. Six points would be difference in the last two sets as late runs from the Lions were not enough to overcome the deficits en route to an Eagles' win.
Set one started with FGCU setting the tone early, with the Eagles going 9-1 run after an initial 3-3 score. FGCU increased their advantage to nine by outscoring the Lions 5-4 before three-straight points, fueled by a kill from graduate middle blocker Anna Katherine Griggs and a service ace from freshman outside hitter Avery Markham, cut the deficit to six. The Eagles answered with three-straight of their own before taking set one, 25-15
The Lions would begin to play FGCU more competitively in the second set, playing them close to a 7-6 score early in favor of the Eagles. A 4-0 run pushed the FGCU advantage to 11-6 with the Eagles maintaining control throughout the middle of the set. Later, a 3-0 late run from the Lions had them within two of a tie at 23-21, but two straight from the Eagles took the match to set three, 25-21.
In North Alabama's most competitive set, UNA jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead jumpstarted by a service ace from senior setter Kennedey Johnson. FGCU responded with a 4-0 run to take the lead, which was capsulated by a 7-1 run to make the score 7-3. The offense came alive for the Lions right after, as North Alabama went on a 9-2 run to retake the lead, as two kills from junior outside hitter Katy Floyd and graduate middle blocker Mattrice Harris spear-headed the attack with two kills. UNA maintained their three-point lead well into the middle of the set before a 3-0 run from the Eagles tied the set late in the third at 18-18. After FGCU regained the lead at 20-19, two kills from junior outside hitter Brenna Tietz put the Lions back on top at 21-20 before four-straight points from FGCU had North Alabama at match point. Two back-to-back points, including a service ace from senior defensive specialist/libero Katie Gerig, had UNA within a point of tying, but a kill from the Eagles ended the match at 25-23.
The Lions will play their final home matches of the regular season next weekend, when they face Bellarmine on Friday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. and cap the weekend with Senior Day against EKU on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
