Sept. 17, 2002

Final Stats

The University of South Florida was the fourth team to enter FAU Gym this year that is receiving votes in the top-25 polls. The Bulls pulled out a three-game win over Florida Atlantic University as they improved to 8-3, while FAU falls to 5-9.

USF, a team laden with experience was able to come back from a three point deficit in game one and a four point deficit in game two to overtake the Owls. With eight out of the twelve players listed as upperclassmen the Bulls regained focus after falling behind 12-9 but then tied it at 13 and would lead for the remainder of game one. The second game was similar as USF fell behind but tied it at 12 and took control behind the hitting of senior Michelle Collier who tallied a match-high 23 kills and a .436 average.

"It is hard to beat that much experience," said head coach Jody Brown. "I think we played them very well and we were in every game. I was pleased with the first two games and thought we showed character in game three when we started coming back."

FAU fell behind 20-11 before going on a 11-6 run to make the score 26-22 in game three. The 51 USF kills were too much for FAU as they fell 30-26, 30-27, 30-24.

Abby Miner and Danyielle Smith both recorded double-digit kills for FAU as they posted 14 and 12 winners respectively. Jeana Boyle added 33 assists to the Owls 44 kills.

FAU will use the University of Miami as a conference tuneup on Friday at 7 pm. After Friday the Owls will be on a 10-game conference swing.