Tuesday, September 10, 2002

Volleyball drops to below .500 with loss to FAU

photo by Geoff Anderson Junior Debra Amundson served as the libero for the Golden Panthers against the Owls. FIU would lose the match in five games, after holding a two games to one lead. The Golden Panthers will now host Florida State, Miami and IUPUI in the FIU Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

AU stops FIU's three match winning streak, 3-2 (30-18, 30-32, 30-25, 30-32, 10-15), at Golden Panther Arena. Nirvana Kos recorded a double-double with a game-high 23 kills and 12 digs.

FIU (3-4) held a two games to one lead on the Owls (3-6), but FAU fought back from a 29-25 deficit in game four to win 32-30. Then they opened the deciding fifth game on an 8-0 run to close out the Golden Panthers, 15-10.

"Every team we play will be up for us," said head coach Cookie Stevens afterward. "We have to respond accordingly."

Elizabeth Baldwin and Betsy Moreland tied with a team-high 23 set assists. Vanessa Gonzalez-Vinas also was in double figures digging 11 balls.

FAU was led by Abby Miner's 21 digs and 13 kills.

FIU will now host the FIU Invitational over Friday and Saturday, which features Miami, Florida State and IUPUI.