FORT MYERS, Fla. - Cortney VanLiew posted her second consecutive double-double as FGCU's volleyball team swept Jacksonville 25-21, 25-20, 25-20 in a battle for first place at Alico Arena Friday.

With the win, FGCU (14-6, 5-1 ASUN) moves into a share of first place in the ASUN standings with Jacksonville (11-8, 5-1 ASUN) and Kennesaw State (11-4, 5-1 ASUN). The win also moved FGCU's winning streak to five and ended Jacksonville's winning streak at six. The Dolphins were off to the program's best start in conference play since 2007.

VanLiew (Seymour, Ind./Columbus East HS) totaled 12 kills, 13 digs and three block assists. She was the lone Eagle to post double digits in kills, and she tied Amanda Carroll for the team-high in digs. It was her third consecutive match with at least 10 kills.

Carroll (Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia HS) finished second in kills with eight and also added 13 digs, two solo blocks and one block assist. Karissa Rhoades (Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale Senior HS) added 12 digs and four assists. It was her fifth straight match with double digits in digs.

"Offensively, we were not our typical selves and that has a lot to do with how Jacksonville was defending us," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "I thought (Jacksonville) did a great job, but I was really pleased to see us match that level of intensity. The blocking set the tone, and I thought the defense behind it really complemented that block. Hopefully we can continue to play that way. Winning when the offense is not exactly where we want it is a step in the right direction."

Maggie Rick (Alpharetta, Ga./Blessed Trinity Catholic HS) added a game-high 27 assists and six digs. Courtney Stephens (Winter Park, Fla./Winter Park HS) finished fourth on the team with eight digs. Checking in just behind Carroll offensively was Daniele Serrano and Kaitlan Krivdo. Serrano (Sanford, Fla./Seminole HS) had the match-winning point and finished with seven kills, two solo blocks and a game-high five block assists, while Krivdo (Hope Mills, N.C./Grays Creek HS) had six kills and three block assists.

The trio of Rick, Stephens and Alayna Ryan (Fort Myers, Fla./Fort Myers HS) combined for FGCU's three service aces.

As a team, FGCU finished with 12 blocks, just one off the team's season-high.

Jacksonville scored the first two points of the match, but FGCU responded with three straight, and the Dolphins never led by more than one the rest of the match. Clinging to a 19-18 lead, FGCU reeled off six of the final nine points in the set, capped by a kill from VanLiew and an attack error.

FGCU then scored the first three points in the second set, but Jacksonville answered to take an 8-7 lead. With things tied at 11, FGCU went on a 5-1 run to seize momentum in the set. Jacksonville wasn't able to get any closer than two before the Eagles scored the final three points on kills from Carroll and VanLiew, along with an attack error.

FGCU then scored the first four points of the third set to complete a 7-0 run and eventually pushed the lead to 10-3. Jacksonville rallied and forced ties at 16 and 17. That's when FGCU reeled off five straight to gain control of the set, highlighted by a pair of kills from Serrano and an ace from Stephens. FGCU scored three of the final four points, capped by Serrano's kill.

The Eagles are now 15-10 all-time against Jacksonville, including an 8-4 record at home. They have won four straight in the series. Next up is North Florida on Saturday at 6 p.m. in Alico. FGCU is 19-5 all-time against them, including a perfect 9-0 record at home, and the Eagles have won five of the past six in the series. The Ospreys took down Stetson in five sets on Friday for their first conference win of the season.

FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-the minute information and a behind-the-scenes look at the FGCU volleyball program, follow on Twitter at @FGCU_VB, on Facebook at /FGCUVolleyball and on Instagram at @FGCU_VB.

COACH BOTSFORD
Head coach Matt Botsford is in his fourth season at the helm of FGCU volleyball. In 2016, Botsford's squad produced one of its most successful seasons ever at 27-6, with the win total representing the most in Division I program history and falling just two shy of the all-time mark. His teams have combined for an 81-34 (.704) overall record, including a 37-11 (.771) mark in ASUN play. In his inaugural season, the Eagles finished with a record of 19-11 with a second-place ASUN finish, and he improved that win total to 21 in his second season. Botsford has coached 15 All ASUN selections in his three seasons. Prior to his time in Southwest Florida, Botsford held successful stints as an assistant at Notre Dame, Miami, IUPUI, Indianapolis and most recently Colorado State. A former professional volleyball player, he is a 1998 graduate of Tri-State University (now Trine), where he earned a degree in Social Studies Education. He earned a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis.

SUPPORT THE CAUSE
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help.

IRMA RELIEF DONATIONS
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, many individuals and families throughout Southwest Florida are still in desperate need of assistance. To aid in those relief efforts, FGCU Athletics will be collecting donations at all Eagle home games for the immediate future. Donation items most needed include: non-perishable food, clothing, household items and first-aid supplies. Additionally, those unable to attend upcoming home games can drop off donations in canisters located in the Alico Arena lobby. All donations will be given to those hardest hit in Lee and Collier counties.