FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Aztec volleyball team (2-1) fell at Florida Gulf Coast 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 11-15) Saturday evening, suffering their first loss of the 2019 season.
The Aztecs outhit the Eagles .223 to .209, had more digs (87-81) and more blocks (20-19) but were edged out in an extremely competitive contest.
SDSU was led by Hannah Turnlund's 24 kills and 16 digs. Victoria O'Sullivan had 18 kills and Tamia Reeves chipped in 10. Camryn Machado had 55 assists and 20 digs while Loren Teter added 24 digs
In the first set, SDSU held an early 8-5 lead, but the Eagles went on a mini run to tie it at 9-9. SDSU held on to the lead until FGCU went ahead 16-15. The Aztecs tied the match at 19-all and then were able to close out the first set on a 6-3 run to win their seventh consecutive set. SDSU had just nine kills in the opening set but held the Eagle to a .111 hitting percentage.
The Aztecs held leads of 9-2 and 14-7 in the second set only to see the Eagles chip away at their lead. A 6-1 FGCU run tied the set at 20-20 and the Eagles ended up taking the set 25-23.
The third set was tight throughout and featured eight ties. After falling behind 9-5, the Aztecs reeled off an 8-1 run to open up a 13-10 lead. After the Eagles tied it up at 16, the teams traded points until it was 23-all, but FGCU was able to take the last two points to go up 2-1.
The Aztecs posted a .265 hitting percentage in the fourth set and won 25-22 to force the fifth set. In the decisive set, the Aztecs struggled and managed just a .111 hitting percentage before falling 15-11.
STAT OF THE GAME
Hannah Turnlund had 24 kills and 16 digs
THE NOTE
Hannah Turnlund and Camryn Machado were named to the all-tournament team.
UP NEXT
The Aztecs return to San Diego next weekend when they co-host a tournament with USD. They open with West Virginia Friday evening at 6 p.m. PT. The match will be streamed on the Mountain West Network.
Homewood Suites Fort Myers Classic Team:
Dana Axner (FGCU), MVP
Cortney VanLiew (FGCU)
Camryn Machado (SDSU)
Hannah Turnlund (SDSU)
Alisi Motu'apuaka (Bryant)
Taylor Sharrits (Akron)
Aztecs Fall at FGCU, 3-2
