Florida Gulf Coast University's volleyball team delivered its fourth Atlantic Sun Conference sweep with a 3-0 victory at Jacksonville Friday, putting FGCU in first place in league action.
"Always nice to get a sweep on the road and I like the way our offense started to find some rhythm as the match went on," head coach
Matt Botsford said. "Our middles were outstanding on the attacking end and I thought Shanelle and Raegan did a great job incorporating them."
In the first set, the Eagles (12-3, 4-0 ASUN) earned an 11-6 lead off an 8-1 run before increasing the advantage to 19-12. JU (6-9, 1-2 ASUN) didn't back down and delivered a 10-3 rally to tie the set 22-22. The Green & Blue responded with a 4-2 spurt to win the set 26-24.
The Dolphins started the second set in control with an 8-3 advantage, but the Eagles retook the lead 12-10. From there, both teams battled it out before JU evened the set at 17-all. FGCU would be the better offensive team to close out the set, taking eight of the last 12 points to win 25-21.
The Eagles began the third set leading 14-11 behind four kills from
Ella Chapman. The Dolphins settled into the set and tied the frame back up, 18-18. FGCU responded with an offensive barrage and a stout defense, closing the set on a 7-1 run to win 25-19.
Shelby Kent had a double-double with a match-high 16 kills to go with 13 digs. This is Kent's seventh double-double of the season.
Raegan Richardson registered 20 assists.
The win for FGCU was the 31st in the all-time series with JU.
The Eagles will remain in Jacksonville, heading to North Florida Saturday for a 6 p.m. first serve in another ASUN contest.
