Florida Atlantic traveled to Denton to face North Texas (8-16, 5-8 AAC) in an important AAC showdown. Entering the match, UNT had a five match losing streak while Florida Atlantic was coming off a sweep over Temple. A weekend trip to Texas could not have started better for FAU as the Owls earned a 3-1 victory over the Mean Green.
Florida Atlantic started the first set on a three-point run. North Texas worked the set even at eight before leading by four at the media timeout 15-11. FAU fought back to bring the set within one at 17-16, but the Mean Green jumped out to a four point lead again at 20-16. UNT held on to win the set by three 25-22.
FAU never trailed in the second set, but that does not mean North Texas did not keep it close. A Valeria Rosado kill gave the Owls a 10-6 lead before a UNT timeout. The Mean Green responded, tying the set at 13, before a Florida Atlantic three-point run gave the Owls a 16-13 lead. North Texas evened the set at 16. FAU then went on a three-point run once again to lead 20-17 and to carry their momentum to a set two victory: 25-22.
North Texas earned a 4-0 lead to start the third before a FAU 5-1 lead evened the set at five. The Mean Green responded with a five-point run of their own to take a commanding 10-5 lead. Florida Atlantic slowly came back to even the set at 16. The squads stayed tied as the set evened at 21. North Texas then reached set point after a three-point run, 24-21 UNT. The Owls responded on a five-point run as Rosado earned a kill to give FAU a 26-24 set three victory.
The Owls commanded the fourth set taking a 6-1 lead before a UNT timeout. North Texas then evened the set at 12. FAU took care of the remainder of the set after an 11-1 run to take a 23-13 lead. A Victoria Hensley kill closed out the set as FAU won 25-15 taking a major road victory from North Texas: 3-1 Owls.
It was a fantastic night for Rosado and Katelynn Robine (pictured above, left, Angelina LaBelle) who together tallied 34 of the Owls 62 kills. Robine earned her 1,000th career kill during the match as well. Romina Cornelio led FAU in digs with her total of 18 leading the Owls to their 61 digs during the match. Madison Dyer had six blocks as the Owls accumulated ten on the night.
The road trip continues for FAU (15-10, 7-6 AAC) as they close out the weekend against UTSA (8-18, 2-11 AAC). The Roadrunners are coming off a 3-1 loss against Memphis as they head back to San Antonio for the weekend match. The contest starts on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m.