Shelby Kent registered 23 kills, her second-best for the season as Florida Gulf Coast University defeated Florida International University 3-1 in Miami, Florida.
This is the Eagles' 14th time defeating the Panthers.
FGCU started hot, gaining a 19-10 advantage, featuring five kills from Kent and four blocks to keep the Panthers away. FIU tried making a comeback with a 7-4 run to close the gap to 23-17 but Kent ended all hope for the Panthers with back-to-back kills as the Eagles won 25-17.
FGCU started the second set leading 11-7 before the Panthers changed the course of the set with an 11-6 rally to take the lead 18-17. FIU kept pressing on, outscoring the Eagles 7-5 to win 25-23.
In set three, FIU saw the finish line with a 21-18 lead, but the Green & Blue stopped Florida Interntaional in its track by releasing a 7-1 run off four kills from Kent to take the set 25-22.
For the final set FIU took control with a 14-7 advantage before the Eagles used a 17-10 rally to even the frame, 24-24. The Panthers could only muster up one point before the Eagles scored three straight points to win the set 27-25.
The Green & Blue dominated 11-6 in blocks and 7-3 in aces.
Skylar English had a double-double of 11 kills and 12 digs while
Shanelle Puetz registered 27 assists, 11 digs and three aces.
The Eagles will now return home for Atlantic Sun Conference action, hosting Bellarmine Saturday at 6 p.m.
