Volleyball Advances to A-Sun Championship :: FAU defeated no. 1 seed GSU 3-2

Nov. 16, 2001

BOCA RATON - Volleyball fans were treated to a best of five game match, including three overtime games, in the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship semi finals which pitted the victor Florida Atlantic University (13-15) against the no. 1 seed Georgia State University (24-9). The host Lady Owls advanced with scores of 26-30-30-23, 31-33, 31-29, 19-17.

"We stuck with our game plan, once we got past the first 10 or 15 points of the first game," said Jody Brown. "We had them well scouted. Our blocking was solid in regards to where to take line and angle. We also served aggressive."

Statistically, Georgia State was on the positive side in every aspect, except service and blocks where FAU registered 10 aces to GSU's five. The Panthers committed 19 service errors to just eight on the Lady Owls side.

Middle blocker Gracie Heim tallied 23 kills to lead FAU while fellow middle blocker Jessica Kahn had seven block assists, including the game finale, a block of Atlantic Sun Player of the year Anna Popenko. Popenko led all attackers with a match total of 25 kills in 59 attempts.

"I don't think any of doubted we were going to win," said Heim. "We didn't have a doubt in our mind. I think we knew exactly what they were going to do."

Senior Ashley Bodily, a member of two conference championship teams, tallied 17 kills, Lindsay Overton added 11 while Marja Valkeauori and Jessica Kahn added 10 each. Jeana Boyle guided the team's offense with 54 assists. Valkeauori had 22 digs.

"This match ranks pretty high (in best wins)," said Bodily. "I knew it was do or die. I just tried to keep my head focused because too many seniors go out on a bad game and I didn't want to do that."

While Popenko led GSU's offense, she also was team high in digs with 15. April Decoste led the match with 69 assists.

The victory places the Lady Owls in the Championship match, scheduled for noon Saturday. The winner of the A-Sun Championship will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. It also places head coach Jody Brown one match closer to earning his 100th career coaching victory.