CARROLLTON, Ga. — Florida Gulf Coast University volleyball team earned a 3-2 victory over the University of West Georgia, fueled by
Julija Grubisic Cabo's 12th double-double of the season with 16 kills and a career-high 17 digs. The Eagles improved to 9-3 in the Atlantic Sun Conference and are now tied for first place with Jacksonville, Central Arkansas, and Eastern Kentucky.
Barbara Koehler also recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs.
Ava Smith added 11 kills and two blocks, while setter
Hanna Borer directed the offense with a season-best 36 assists and 14 digs.
The Eagles dominated the first set, gaining an 18-11 lead behind four kills from Koehler. West Georgia (2-23, 0-12 ASUN) struggled to respond as FGCU took the set 25-15 and held the Wolves to a .171 hitting percentage.
The Eagles similarly controlled the second set, jumping out to a 21-16 lead before the Wolves closed the gap with a 6-1 run to tie it at 22-22. FGCU then pushed ahead and captured the set 25-23.
In the third set, UWG jumped to a 20-12 lead, but FGCU mounted a 6-3 surge to pull within 23-18. It wasn't enough; West Georgia won the set 25-18.
The fourth set remained tight past the 20-point mark; the Eagles led 23-21 before West Georgia ran off seven of the final ten points to take the set 28-26 and force a deciding fifth set.
In the final frame, FGCU led 9-6 before UWG answered with a 6-2 run to take a 12-11 lead. The Eagles then scored four straight points to seal the set 15-12 and the match.
The Eagles return home Sunday for Senior Day against Bellarmine (11-13, 5-7 ASUN) at 1 p.m.
