FORT MYERS, Fla. –
Shelby Kent registered a career-high 27 kills as Florida Gulf Coast University's volleyball team earned a 3-1 victory against University of North Alabama Friday in Atlantic Sun Conference action from Alico Arena.
Kent surpassed her previous high of 23 kills, set against Drake Sept.13.
"Shelby just continues to show that she is an elite level attacker. Her decision making and shot making tonight was superb," head coach
Matt Botsford said. "That was an exciting match, much of which was dictated from the service line from both sides."
In the first set, the Lions (10-10, 4-3 ASUN) started with a 4-1 advantage, but the Eagles (15-4, 7-1 ASUN) quickly answered with an 18-4 rally with three aces from
Skylar English to take the lead 19-8. From there, FGCU cruised to a 25-15 win in the set.
In set two, North Alabama jumped out to a 4-0 lead but just like the first set the Green & Blue rallied back to lead 18-16 thanks in part to six points from Kent. The Lions responded swiftly with a 9-3 run to win the set 25-21.
The Eagles took control early in set three, getting a 10-5 advantage thanks to three kills from
Barbara Koehler. The Green & Blue took flight, pushing the advantage to 18-11. The Lions closed within three, 22-19, but the Eagles would score the final three points to take the frame 25-19.
The fourth set was tight throughout, with UNA holding a 20-18 late. Both teams kept applying pressure, but UNA got to set point first with a 24-23 lead. FGCU kept fighting off set points, eventually tying the set at 26-26. Kent put FGCU up by one before Koehler delivered the final kill to win 28-26 and take the match.
Kent posted her eighth double-double of the season by adding 11 digs to go with her career-best kill total.
Shanelle Puetz registered 28 assists. while Koehler had a dozen kills and English added 10.
Raegan Richardson had a double-double with 19 assists and 10 digs, and
Claire Ertel had a match-high 18 digs.
FGCU will wrap up its three-match homestand by hosting ASUN foe Central Arkansas (10-8, 7-0 ASUN) Sunday at noon.
