The Seminoles (5-1) and Owls (5-2) both have had great starts to the season. Florida Atlantic wanted to have the opportunity to build their résumé as they faced off against #21 Florida State, but the ‘Noles were too strong as FAU fell 3-0.
To start, the Seminoles jumped out to a 5-1 lead before the Owls with the help of a 3-0 scoring run tied things up at 6-6. Florida Atlantic gained their first lead at 9-8 as FSU needed an early timeout to regroup.
The timeout worked for the ‘Noles as FSU jumped out to another 5 point lead. The Owls fought back to make it only a two point lead for the Seminoles at 19-17. FAU tied the match up at 22 with the help of another 3-0 run. Sadly, Florida Atlantic could not keep up as FSU won set one 25-23.
As the tomahawk chop took over the crowd, set two was taken over by the Seminoles. Florida State used a 4-1 run to take an 11-8 lead as the Owls took a timeout to find a way past the Seminoles, but Florida State ran away with the set winning 25-14.
Down 2-0 it was rally time for FAU. Set three started off well for the Owls with them jumping out to an early 5-2 lead. The ‘Noles would not go quietly though as they evened it up at six a piece. Florida Atlantic held the fight and took an 11-8 lead off of a 4-0 scoring run.
FAU had a 15-13 lead when the media break started. Quickly after though FSU used a 3-0 scoring run to take a 16-15 lead. The pendulum swung back in favor of the Owls as they led by one, 19-18, at the second media break of the set. Florida State took the lead back at 22-21 as FAU took a timeout.
After a quick attack error and kill, coach Nelson took another timeout as Florida Atlantic was down 23-22. After the break an attack error by FSU drew the set up at 23-23. The race to two began as FSU pulled out to a 25-24 lead. The Seminoles gained a kill and won the set 26-24 to win the match 3-0.
This is the first time this season the Owls were swept. Florida Atlantic had 41 kills with Valeria Rosado leading the team with 14. FSU had 51 kills. FAU committed 15 errors compared to the Seminoles eight. Finally, Brianna Anderson led in digs with her total of 11 contributing to the Owls total of 43 compared to Florida State’s 43 as well.
Florida Atlantic (5-3) will have a quick turn around after this evenings match as they face-off against UCF (4-0) Saturday. The Knights are on a three match sweep streak with their only close contest being a 3-2 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies. The match between Central Florida and FAU starts at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, September 14th.