Oct. 16, 2007

BOCA RATON, FL - For the first time in almost a full year, the Florida Atlantic University volleyball team will play a match in the FAU Arena. The last time the team played there, the Owls defeated Troy 3-1 on November 11, 2006 to clinch a spot in last season's Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

Renovation delays caused the Owls' first four home matches to be played at other locations. FAU split its first two home matches earlier this season, but was swept in its two matches last weekend. The team is excited about being back in their own arena.

"We practiced (in the arena) for the first time Monday and as soon we got in there, the girls were yelling and screaming about being back in their own gym," said head volleyball coach Jody Brown.

"It really does help with the weekly preparation when you don't have to worry about where you are going to practice."

Friday night, the Owls (6-14, 3-7 Sun Belt) face Arkansas-Little Rock. The Trojans (14-7, 6-3) are led by junior outside hitter Amila Barakovic, who averages just under four kills a game. She is aided by sophomore opposite hitter Anita Bucur, who is averaging 3.13 kills-per-game this season. The tandem combined for 50 of UALR's 102 points in a five-game victory over the Owls last year in Little Rock. They are supported by reigning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week Amy Hafner. Hafner averages almost five digs a game and had 37 digs last week to earn Sun Belt recognition.

"UALR has a lot of foreign kids. They are not only older than we are, but they are older than most college players in the same class, and that makes them very difficult to defend," said Brown.

Saturday's opponent is Arkansas State. Senior middle blocker Robin Aaron leads the Indians (8-13, 4-5) with 297 kills on the year. Aaron had 16 kills and nine total blocks in a 3-1 ASU win over FAU in Jonesboro last season.

Both matches are scheduled for 7 p.m. at the FAU Arena and will be available online via GameTracker at fausports.com