The Florida Gulf Coast University volleyball team fell 3-0 to Eastern Kentucky University Sunday in Richmond, Kentucky. This is the Eagles' first 3-0 loss since battling No. 4 University of Florida in the NCAA Championship First Round on Nov. 30, 2023. The loss also ended the Eagles five-match game streak.
Shelby Kent registered 22 kills, which is tied for the third-most in program history in a three set match alongside Courtney VanLiew from FGCU's match Sept. 29, 2019 versus Lipscomb.
"That was a very well-played match by EKU and we just didn't have an answer," Botsford said. "Defensively we couldn't affect their attackers and offensively we didn't get the kind of production we need to be successful. We have a short turnaround and will have to figure some things out quickly as we prepare for a three-match home stand."
FGCU (13-4, 5-1 ASUN) trailed 14-11 before EKU (12-7, 3-3 ASUN) had a mini 6-4 spurt to close the gap to 18-17. From there the Colonels whipped out a 7-2 rally to win the set 25-19.
In the second set EKU jumped out to an 11-5 advantage before unleashing a 6-0 run to lead 17-6. The Green & Blue responded with a 12-4 bounce back, featuring three kills from
Skylar English to close the gap to 21-18. It was not enough as the Colonels went ahead and sealed the frame 25-20.
In the third set, FGCU trailed by one, 14-13 but could not get a grip on EKU's offense as the Colonels unleashed an 11-3 run to win the set 25-16 and sweep the Eagles.
FGCU will return home to host Stetson University (3-14, 0-6 ASUN) Tuesday at 5 p.m.
