Sept. 28, 2007

BOCA RATON, FL - The Florida Atlantic University volleyball team defeated South Alabama in five arduous games (31-29, 31-29, 23-30, 37-39, 15-12) on Friday night.

The match was officially FAU's first home match of the season, but was played at Grandview Preparatory School due to ongoing renovations of FAU Arena. The match was a struggle from the first game as FAU got out to an early 16-8 lead but South Alabama rallied to take the lead at 21-20. The two went almost point for point until a USA service error and a Katie Arvidson kill gave the Owls a 31-29 victory.

Game two was also a tight encounter until the Jaguars seized a 27-24 lead late in the game. FAU took seven of the next nine points, thanks in large part to a Casey LaRocca serving run to take game to by an identical 31-29 score. USA got off to a fast start after the break by and was leading 20-11 when FAU went on a 10-3 run to pull within two points. However, the Owls would get no closer and the Jaguars won game three 30-23 to cut FAU's lead in half.

The fourth game was a classic battle of wills. It started in a fashion similar to game one as FAU got out to a 17-11 lead. USA did not back down and eventually had match point at 29-27. It was the first of four game points that FAU was able to overcome. USA was able to deny FAU three match points as well. USA would capitalize on its fifth opportunity as a Hristina Markova kill gave the Jaguars a 39-37 win and tied the match as two games apiece.

The fifth and final game as expected was a nailbiter as the teams traded points in front of a raucous FAU contingent. FAU was down 12-11 in the match when Mallory Deneen stepped up. Deneen had two kills as FAU took four straight points to win the game and match in exhilarating fashion.

Deneen had her first career double-double while setting career highs in kills (16) and digs (21). She was joined by Krystena Castro who tied career highs in kills (22) and blocks (seven). The Owls (6-8, 3-1 Sun Belt) will face Troy on Saturday with a scheduled start time of 3 p.m. Saturday's match will also be held at Grandview Preparatory School. Admission will be free for all fans.