Interview with Volleyball Coach Jody Brown 

Aug. 28, 2006

Following a road trip to Bozeman, MT, the Florida Atlantic University volleyball team will hit the road for the second straight week. The Owls will head to Fort Collins, CO for the Colorado State Coors Invitational. The Owls will face James Madison, Colorado State and Wake Forest in the two-day event.

After facing some quality competition last weekend, FAU stands at 0-3 on the year. Outside hitter Iana Andonova was named to the All-Tournament Team after leading the Owls with 5.44 kills per game and 2.78 digs per game. Her kills per game average ranks her at the top of the Sun Belt Conference.

James Madison (3-1) won its own tournament last weekend by defeating Canisius, Duquesne and UNC-Asheville, but fell to Rutgers in its last outing in five-games. Senior Baylir Stillwell was named MVP after she averaged 3.93 kills per game with a .311 hitting percentage and a team-high seven service aces and 14 blocks. The Dukes are averaging two service aces and 2.35 blocks per game as a team.

Colorado State (1-2) also suffered a five-game loss in its last outing. The Rams fell to Missouri State in five games and to Texas A&M last weekend at home. The team's lone win this season came in three games against Morgan State.

CSU sophomore Mekana Barnes was named to the All-Tournament team. The middle blocker finished with 32 kills in two matches. In the final match of Coors Invitational, FAU will face Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons will opener their season this coming weekend. The team finished with a 17-14 record in 2005 and returns five starters from that squad.

2005 ACC Rookie of the Year Natalie Mullikin is expected to lead Wake Forest after making 21 starts and averaging 2.37 kills and 1.04 blocks per game. The sophomore middle blocker was named to the preseason All-ACC team earlier this month.

Fans can follow live game action by visiting www.fausports.com. Click on the Gametracker link on the volleyball schedule page to see live scoring.