By Bryce Thompson
Staff Writer
The FGCU volleyball team enjoyed a historic Friday night victory as it clinched their second straight outright regular-season title in their win over NJIT. The 25-17, 25-9, 25-13 sweep by FGCU broke the school record for most regular-season wins in program history.
The Eagles dominated NJIT on the road with a massive .493 hitting percentage while doing their job defensively holding NJIT to a dismal .012. Led by Snowy Burnam’s team-high 11 kills, FGCU improved to 10-0 all-time versus NJIT.
“That was a great way to end the regular season with a really nice performance on the road,” FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. “While our blocking started a little slow, I was very impressed with the way the team adjusted after set one. Offensively, we were very clean, and I thought our hitters were making good decisions out there. To hit almost .500 also says a lot about the job Chelsey did. She is locating extremely well and putting her attackers in great spots.”
FGCU claimed a close first set 25-17 behind Chelsey Lockey’s 12 assists and her ability to set her team up wonderfully. The Eagles carried the first set momentum into a quick second set, opening up on a 14-4 run. A 25-9 defensive masterpiece led by Tori Morris and Erin Shomaker combining for 11 blocks.
With a regular-season title just one set away, the Eagles kept their foot on the gas and cruised to a 25-13 third set victory.
The Eagles finish the regular season with a 26-4 record, and a record 14-2 in the ASUN earning them the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament starting on Thursday, Nov. 21.