BOCA RATON, Fla. – Off to its best start in program history at 7-1, the FGCU beach volleyball team will make its way to the east coast to face in-state rival FAU on Monday, Mar. 27. The match will mark the Eagles final contest before conference play. Action begins at 4 p.m.
 
FAU is a very familiar opponent for the Eagles. The teams have faced each other seven times in just five seasons of existence with the Owls holding a 4-3 advantage over FGCU.
 
THE LAST TIME OUT
The Eagles snagged another win at home on Wednesday, Mar. 22 with a 4-1 victory over Webber International (Fla.)
 
Pairs 1, 2, 3 and 5 each downed their opponents in two sets. FGCU's only loss of the day came from pair No. 4 after dropping back-to-back 22-20 heartbreakers.
 
SCOUTING THE OWLS
FAU enters the competition with a record of 14-2. The Owls posted shutout victories over like-opponents Webber International and Eckerd College. The team's only two losses come from a FIU and fellow ASUN competitor Stetson.  
 
UP NEXT
FGCU begins ASUN play in Jacksonville with matches against UNF and JU. The Green and Blue face North Florida at noon and Jacksonville at 2 p.m. on Friday Mar. 31. The teams meet again on Saturday, Apr. 1 starting with Jacksonville at 10 a.m. and North Florida at 2 p.m.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-the minute information and a behind-the-scenes look at the FGCU volleyball program, follow on Twitter at @FGCU_BeachVB, on Facebook at /FGCUVolleyball and on Instagram at @FGCU_VB.
 
COACH BOTSFORD
Head coach Matt Botsford begins his fourth season at the helm of FGCU beach volleyball in 2017. Last season, Botsfords squad produced a program-high 11 wins. In three seasons, his beach teams have combined for an overall record of 21-37 (.362). In 2016, Botsford's indoor 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 two shy of the all-time mark. His teams have combined for an overall 65-27 (.707) record, including a 32-10 (.762) mark in ASUN play. In his inaugural season, the Eagles finished with a record of 19-11 with a second-place ASUN finish. Botsford has coached 15 All-Conference 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.