CONWAY, Ark. — Florida Gulf Coast University volleyball extended its Atlantic Sun Conference streak to 5–0 with a 3-0 sweep over Central Arkansas on Friday.
The Eagles (10-5, 5-0 ASUN) handed the Sugar Bears (7-8, 4-1 ASUN) their first ASUN loss of the season. Along with Jacksonville, FGCU is now one of only two undefeated teams in the league.
"Really gritty win on the road for us tonight in an incredible atmosphere," said head coach Thaid Baziquetto-Allen. "We got backed into the corner early and didn't get away from our game plan and came up with some big plays when we needed them the most. Hanna and Eli did a great job running the offense tonight and our back row made some really good touches to keep plays alive and give us a chance to score in transition."
Barbara Koehler led the match with 13 kills, and Julija Crubisic Cabo recorded a double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs.
Abby Toeniskoetter and
Ava Smith added eight kills apiece. Setter
Hanna Borer orchestrated the offense with 27 assists and chipped in six digs.
FGCU hit .352 as a team, while holding Central Arkansas to a .264 hitting percentage.
In the first set, UCA jumped out early and pushed the pace, leading 18–14. The Eagles stayed composed and went on a 7–4 run to cut the deficit to 22–21. FGCU then closed it out with four straight points, including two aces from
Eliska Vytiskova to win 25–22.
In set two, FGCU gained control with a 20–16 lead, bolstered by six kills from Koehler. The Sugar Bears rallied with a 6–2 run to tie the match at 22–22, but the Eagles responded with a 3–0 burst to close the set 25–22.
In the final set, FGCU maintained a lead while UCA stayed in contention, trailing 17–13. UCA closed the gap to 23–22, but FGCU pulled away and secured the set 25–22.
The Eagles remain on the road Sunday, taking on North Alabama (9-9, 3-2 ASUN) at 1 p.m.
