FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida Gulf Coast University volleyball battled through a back-and-forth contest to earn a gritty 3-2 victory (25-17, 25-27, 25-23, 24-26, 15-11) over James Madison on Sunday afternoon at Alico Arena.
"JMU pushed us to the limit, but I loved the way our team stayed connected and trusted each other in those big moments," FGCU head coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen said. "To respond in the fifth set the way we did says a lot about the character of this group. We're still learning, but this kind of battle is exactly what will make us stronger as the season goes on."
The win was the Eagles' second straight against the Dukes, following a 3-1 victory Saturday night.
Camila Soto and
Catharina Scorza each recorded career highs, with Soto finishing with 13 kills and Scorza adding eight.
Julija Grubisic Cabo registered a double-double of 12 kills and 11 digs while also serving two aces.
Barbara Koehler had a team high 14 kills and was named to the All-Tournament team alongside
Abby Toeniskoetter.
FGCU (2-1) started quickly in the opening set, building an 18-12 advantage behind four early kills from Soto. After JMU (0-3) trimmed the deficit to 21-17, the Eagles closed on a 4-0 run to take the set 25-17.
The second set looked like FGCU's from the beginning as the Eagles earned a 19-12 lead but the Dukes responded and unleashed an offensive barrage 13 points compared to FGCU's five to lead by one, 25-24. FGCU mustered up a point before JMU finished the set 27-25.
FGCU regained momentum in the third jumping out once again to a 19-13 advantage. James Madison didn't back down and rallied back to close the gap to 19-17. The Eagles kept composed as both teams scored six points but FGCU got a 25-23 win.
The fourth set followed a similar script. FGCU went up 16-10 behind four kills from Koehler, but the Dukes answered with a 12-6 run to tie it at 22. JMU finished strong, outscoring FGCU 4-2 to win 26-24 and force a decisive fifth set.
The Eagles built an 11-6 lead in the final frame before JMU clawed back with four straight points to make it 11-10. FGCU responded, holding the Dukes to just one more point the rest of the way to close out the set 15-11 and the match 3-2.
FGCU will return to action Sept. 6 at Arizona State (1-0) .
All-Tournament Team:
*Maya Sands (L) - Missouri
Kimani Johnson (RS) - Missouri
Caylen Alexander (OH) - Missouri
Barbara Koehler (OH) - FGCU
Abby Toeniskoetter (MB) - FGCU
Kennedy Louisell (OH) - JMU
*Tournament MVP
