Sept. 5, 2003

In the 12th meeting between the University of South Florida (3-1) and Florida Atlantic University, the Bulls pulled out a four-game victory to deny the Owls their first win in the series. FAU took the first game of the match 35-33 before falling 23-30, 17-30, 20-30 in the first day of action at the DoubleTree Boca Bash.

In game one, FAU (0-4) overcame a 19-12 deficit and 20 ties to take game one on an Iana Andonova kill on a Bulls overpass. Andonova (Margate, FL) finished the match with a team-high 15 kills and a .423 hitting percentage. The middle blocker finished with two blocks but saw the Owls be out-blocked 15-5 in the match.

The Bulls dominated the net in the final three games and posted a hitting percentage of .433 in game two as they rolled to the four-game finish. FAU's serving gave USF a chance to run its offense in game two after missing 10 serves. The Owls backed off and could ill-afford to give their opponents free points.

Shameka Mitchell finished with a double-double for USF with 21 kills and 11 digs, while outsider hitter Fran Pozzi collected a double-double of her own with 10 kills and 12 digs.

Florida Atlantic's Lindsey Bell was the leading defender inthe match as she picked up 14 digs. Bell (Colorado Springs, CO) made her firststart of the season and added seven kills.

In game one of the DoubleTree Boca Bash, Maryland defeated The Citadel in three-games, 30-10, 30-22, 30-19.

The four teams will continue play on Saturday at 10 am as USF faces Maryland and FAU takes on The Citadel at 12:30 pm in the morning session. At 5 pm USF will return to play The Citadel before FAU hosts Maryland in the final match at 7 pm.