Volleyball Ends Play in FGCU Invitational with Loss to Host

BOX SCORE (PDF)

FT. MYERS, FLA. – The University of New Orleans volleyball team played its final match in the FGCU Hilton Garden Inn Invitational on Saturday morning, falling 3-0 ( 26-24, 25-11, 25-17) to host Florida Gulf Coast.

For the second time in as many days, New Orleans recorded six total blocks in a match, averaging a season-best 2.0 blocks per set. Kaitlyn Grice (Biology) led all players with three total blocks, all assisted, in the contest while Blessing Dunn (Business Management) posted a solo and assisted block with Rondolyn Bryant (Exercise Physiology) and Keke Richards (Business Management) both recorded two assisted blocks.

"This match was a much better start for the team in terms of building confidence," head coach Millicent Van Norden said. "Our first contact was more stable, but we still need to work on decision making offensively."

Jordan Yauch (Biological Science) led the offense with eight kills while assisting on a block while Dunn had a balanced outing with seven kills and digs. Sophie Mitchell and Sarah Thomas (Accounting & Finance) split time as the Privateers' setter, posting 13 and 10 assists respectively.
On the defensive front, Samantha Uline (Exercise Physiology) paced the team with 11 digs while serving a team-high three aces.

Florida Gulf Coast (3-2) took the early lead in the opening set 4-1, but the Privateers knotted up the score at 5-5 with a service ace from Uline and an assisted block by Grice and Bryant fueling the rally. The three point separation was quickly recreated, and extended to four at 15-11 before Dunn scored back-to-back points off a kill and service ace followed by a FGCU attack error to make it a one-point game. Dunn created another rally late in the opening stanza, recording two kills and a solo block to bring the Privateers within one, with a service ace from Uline capping off the rally and evening the score 23-all. The two sides split the ensuing two points to keep it tied at 24-24, but the hosts scored the following two points to take the opening frame.

A .483 hitting percentage with only one attacking error propelled the Eagles to a 25-11 second set victory. UNO fell behind on the opening point and played from behind the remainder of the frame. The royal blue and silver did not have a lead until the third set, when the Privateers built a 5-1 lead early. UNO was able to hold onto the advantage until an 8-0 FGCU run put the hosts ahead 19-13.

The Privateers continue the season-opening tournament circuit at the Jax State Invitational from Sept. 9-10 in Jacksonville, Alabama. UNO's first home match is slated for Thursday, Sept. 22, when the Privateers play host to Houston Baptist in the Human Performance Center. First serve for the contest is slated for 7 p.m. and admission is free.