The third-seeded FGCU beach volleyball team (18-11) nearly pulled off a stunner against No. 8 nationally-ranked Stetson (29-8) in the A-SUN championship game, but suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss on Saturday at Cooper Beach to end the season.
"I am so proud of this group for their effort, focus and resiliency," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "This weekend we got a chance to see them display each of those characteristics. To come through the loser's bracket and find ourselves in the championship match with an opportunity to win, that speaks to their belief in one another."
The Eagles opened the day with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over second-seeded North Florida. After the Ospreys took the No. 1 pair to take the lead, seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis produced a 21-12, 21-19 win at No. 2 to even it up. Sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone then captured a thrilling clincher, 21-15, 18-21, 15-11, to send the Eagles to their second championship match in three seasons.
"The UNF match was really rewarding and it felt appropriate that we would have to beat them if we wanted a shot in the final," Botsford said. "They are a very talented group and having edged us 3-2 on Thursday, we were expecting another close one. We got big performances across the board and it was great to see Snowy and Kayla cap the victory for our team."
In the championship, the first crucial win came at the No. 4 pair. Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and freshman Emma Hansen let an 11-1 lead in the opening set slip away, but they found a way to win a tight second set before fighting off several match points to claim a 21-19 win in the tiebreaking set. That victory allowed the Eagles to tie the match at one apiece.
Following that, senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder settled into a groove at No. 1, where they took a 21-10 opening set before fending off Stetson to claim a 22-20 second set. The other two pairs then went three sets, and Stetson claimed both. FGCU's best chance at finishing off the upset came in the second set at No. 3, but Rachel Noble and Ana Costa won 21-19 to force a third set.
The two-set sweep of Stetson's Sunniva Helland-Hansen and Carly Perales at No. 1 was just their ninth two-set loss in nearly three-plus years together and the first to an unranked team. The others include No. 1 UCLA, No. 2 USC, No. 3 Florida State and No. 4 LSU in 2019, No. 8 South Carolina, No. 10 LSU and No. 11 FIU in 2018 and No. 10 Grand Canyon in 2017.
The duo of sophomores Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan finished 3-3 in the tournament, which included a big come-from-behind 19-21, 21-16, 15-13 win over North Florida in Saturday.
Stetson, who has now won three consecutive A-SUN championships, entered the match having won 12 straight and not dropping a match since March 30.
"We of course want to congratulate Stetson, who has been such a great representative of ASUN beach volleyball over the past few years," Botsford said.
Burnam and Whetstone were named to the all-tournament team after tallying a 5-1 record over the weekend. The saw a nine-match winning streak snapped in the final, which is the second-longest in program history. Their five victories, though, is the most postseason wins in program history in one year, and the duo is now 7-3 all-time in the A-SUN tournament. They finished with the best season in program history at 24-5 overall.
FGCU's All-Tournament Team History
Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2019
Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert - 2018
Madi Wilcox/Leigh Pudwill - 2017
Madi Wilcox/Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016
Mackenzie Allen/Caroline Jordan - 2015
Kaitlin Holm/Whitney Masters - 2014, 2013
FGCU's senior class finishes as the winningest in program history at 59-39. They produced four straight double-digit winning seasons for the first time and set a new single-season wins record with 18 this year. Also, the trio of Rhoades, Puisis and Carroll will leave as the top three individuals in career wins.
"I want to thank our seniors who have had such a huge impact on our beach program," Botsford said. "They have poured themselves into this team, and we wouldn't be where we are had it not been for their efforts."
Notes
Carroll picked up her 50th career victory with the win over Stetson, which was her third career win over a ranked team. Meanwhile, Garder (Halden, Norway/Topvolley Norge) closes her rookie campaign with a freshman record 18 victories. Her four victories this weekend is the most for a freshman in one postseason in program history, as well.
Rhoades closes her career with an 8-8 record in postseason play, which ties Borgiotti for the most such wins in program history.
The Eagles are now 14-16 all-time in postseason play, but they're 10-8 over the past four seasons alone. They nearly became the first school in A-SUN history to win both the indoor and beach volleyball championship.
Full Tournament Results
Thursday
Match 1: No. 4 Coastal Carolina d. No. 5 Austin Peay 5-0
Match 2: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 6 North Alabama 5-0
Match 3: No. 1 Stetson d. No. 4 Coastal Carolina 4-1
Match 4: No. 2 North Florida d. No. 3 FGCU 3-2
Friday
Match 5: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 5 Austin Peay 3-0
Match 6: No. 4 Coastal Carolina d. No. 6 North Alabama 3-0
Match 7: No. 1 Stetson d. No. 2 North Florida 3-1
Match 8: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 4 Coastal Carolina 3-2
Saturday
Match 9: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 2 North Florida 3-2
Championship: No. 1 Stetson d. No. 3 FGCU 3-2
FULL RESULTS
FGCU 3, North Florida 2
1. Pase/Howard (UNF) d. Carroll/Garder 21-14, 21-11
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Harrison/Cain 21-12, 21-19
3. Burnam/Whetstone (FGCU) d. McCarty/DeBolt 21-15, 18-21- 15-11
4. Roskic/Workman (UNF) d. Hansen/Borgiotti 23-21, 21-17
5. VanLiew/Ryan (FGCU) d. Smith/Galinis 19-21, 21-16, 15-13
Stetson 3, FGCU 2
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Perales/Helland-Hansen 21-10, 22-20
2. Dunn/Thomas (Stetson) d. Puisis/Rhoades 21-15, 19-21, 15-5
3. Noble/Costa (Stetson) d. Burnam/Whetstone 18-21, 21-19, 15-11
4. Hansen/Borgiotti (FGCU) d. Krahn/Richardson 21-23, 21-17, 21-19
5. Ingram/Birker (Stetson) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-16, 22-20
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Showing posts with label FGCU Beach Volleyball 2019. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FGCU Beach Volleyball 2019. Show all posts
FGCU Beach Volleyball: A-SUN Tournament Day Two Recap
The No. 3 seed FGCU beach volleyball team (17-10) survived an 11-hour marathon day at the A-SUN tournament on Friday by defeating 5th-seeded Austin Peay (15-15) 3-0 and 4th-seeded Coastal Carolina (21-11) 3-2 at Cooper Beach on the campus of Stetson University. The Eagles will now face North Florida (20-13) at 11 a.m. Saturday in a loser's bracket final with the winner advancing to the winner-take-all championship match at 1 p.m. against top-seeded and nationally 8th-ranked Stetson (28-8).
Due to impending weather, all matches on Friday were moved up at least 90 minutes and played to clinch. Thus, FGCU had to arrive at the court at 6:45 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. match. After dispatching Austin Peay in a sweep, the Eagles got underway against Coastal Carolina at 12:35 p.m.
As feared, however, the match was suspended due to lightning just after 2 p.m. with the Eagles leading 2-1 and the other pairs in progress. Then, after a three-plus hour delay, Coastal Carolina evened up the match with a win in the third set of the No. 4 pair. However, seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis finished off a two-set sweep at the No. 2 spot to advance the Green and Blue.
"Amanda and KG had a great win in the second set against Coastal that extended things to a third," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "That comeback ended up being a huge result for our group. Katie and Karissa played an outstanding match in a position where the overall team result hung in the balance. As we have come to expect, they were outstanding when it mattered most. That's the benefit of having seniors in that position."
Prior to the break against Coastal Carolina, senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder fought off three match points to win the second set, and then the duo claimed the third to put the Eagles up 2-1. That proved to be critical once the Chanticleers claimed the four pair after the lightning delay.
Sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone, meanwhile, continued to roll with a hard-fought 21-18, 21-17 win over Austin Peay to open the day, which was followed by a 21-18, 21-18 win over Coastal Carolina. The No. 3 pair is now 23-4 overall this year while winning eight straight and 12 of their past 13 matches - and seven of those past eight have come in straight sets.
Notes
With the win over Austin Peay, FGCU set a new single-season wins record. Including both wins on Friday, the Eagles now have 17 after recording 15 in each of the past two seasons.
Garder became the program's single-season wins leader for a freshman with her triumph in the finale. She now has 17 victories this year, which moves her past Burnam and Whestone's 16 from last season.
Rhoades became the program's first-ever 60-game winner with the win over Coastal Carolina. She is now 60-34 (.638) in her career, while Puisis is 56-31. Carroll is one shy of her 50th win, as well.
On top of that, Burnam and Whetstone slid past Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for sole possession of sixth-place on the program's career wins list with 39.
This will be the first time the Eagles have played at least five matches at the A-SUN tournament. The previous record of four was set in each of the past three seasons.
The win over Austin Peay represented the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Meanwhile, the Eagles improved to 7-0 all-time against Coastal Carolina.
Should FGCU defeated UNF and Stetson on Saturday, they would have a win over each seed in the tournament after having already defeated No. 6 North Alabama, No. 5 Austin Peay and No. 4 Coastal Carolina.
Full Tournament Results
Thursday
Match 1: No. 4 Coastal Carolina d. No. 5 Austin Peay 5-0
Match 2: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 6 North Alabama 5-0
Match 3: No. 1 Stetson d. No. 4 Coastal Carolina 4-1
Match 4: No. 2 North Florida d. No. 3 FGCU 3-2
Friday
Match 5: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 5 Austin Peay 3-0
Match 6: No. 4 Coastal Carolina d. No. 6 North Alabama 3-0
Match 7: No. 1 Stetson d. No. 2 North Florida 3-1
Match 8: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 4 Coastal Carolina 3-2
Saturday
Match 9: No. 2 North Florida vs No. 3 FGCU, 11 a.m.
Championship: No. 1 Stetson vs Match 9 winner, 1 p.m.
FULL RESULTS
FGCU 3, Austin Peay 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Panning/Turner 21-14, 26-24
2. Puisis/Rhoades - unfinished
3. Burnam/Whetstone d. Gerig/Stitt 21-18, 21-17
4. Hansen/Borgiotti - unfinished
5. VanLiew/Ryan d. Arrington/Waite 21-15, 21-17
FGCU 3, Coastal Carolina 2
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Alvis/Hardeman 14-21, 24-22, 15-8
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Boyer/Campbell 21-6, 21-14
3. Burnam/Whetstone (FGCU) Federico/Gauthier 21-18, 21-18
4. Djuric/Ladewig (CC) d. Hansen/Borgiotti 11-21, 21-19, 15-11
5. Nemeth/Eske (CC) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-16, 21-17
Due to impending weather, all matches on Friday were moved up at least 90 minutes and played to clinch. Thus, FGCU had to arrive at the court at 6:45 a.m. for a 7:30 a.m. match. After dispatching Austin Peay in a sweep, the Eagles got underway against Coastal Carolina at 12:35 p.m.
As feared, however, the match was suspended due to lightning just after 2 p.m. with the Eagles leading 2-1 and the other pairs in progress. Then, after a three-plus hour delay, Coastal Carolina evened up the match with a win in the third set of the No. 4 pair. However, seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis finished off a two-set sweep at the No. 2 spot to advance the Green and Blue.
"Amanda and KG had a great win in the second set against Coastal that extended things to a third," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "That comeback ended up being a huge result for our group. Katie and Karissa played an outstanding match in a position where the overall team result hung in the balance. As we have come to expect, they were outstanding when it mattered most. That's the benefit of having seniors in that position."
Prior to the break against Coastal Carolina, senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder fought off three match points to win the second set, and then the duo claimed the third to put the Eagles up 2-1. That proved to be critical once the Chanticleers claimed the four pair after the lightning delay.
Sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone, meanwhile, continued to roll with a hard-fought 21-18, 21-17 win over Austin Peay to open the day, which was followed by a 21-18, 21-18 win over Coastal Carolina. The No. 3 pair is now 23-4 overall this year while winning eight straight and 12 of their past 13 matches - and seven of those past eight have come in straight sets.
Notes
With the win over Austin Peay, FGCU set a new single-season wins record. Including both wins on Friday, the Eagles now have 17 after recording 15 in each of the past two seasons.
Garder became the program's single-season wins leader for a freshman with her triumph in the finale. She now has 17 victories this year, which moves her past Burnam and Whestone's 16 from last season.
Rhoades became the program's first-ever 60-game winner with the win over Coastal Carolina. She is now 60-34 (.638) in her career, while Puisis is 56-31. Carroll is one shy of her 50th win, as well.
On top of that, Burnam and Whetstone slid past Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for sole possession of sixth-place on the program's career wins list with 39.
This will be the first time the Eagles have played at least five matches at the A-SUN tournament. The previous record of four was set in each of the past three seasons.
The win over Austin Peay represented the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Meanwhile, the Eagles improved to 7-0 all-time against Coastal Carolina.
Should FGCU defeated UNF and Stetson on Saturday, they would have a win over each seed in the tournament after having already defeated No. 6 North Alabama, No. 5 Austin Peay and No. 4 Coastal Carolina.
Full Tournament Results
Thursday
Match 1: No. 4 Coastal Carolina d. No. 5 Austin Peay 5-0
Match 2: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 6 North Alabama 5-0
Match 3: No. 1 Stetson d. No. 4 Coastal Carolina 4-1
Match 4: No. 2 North Florida d. No. 3 FGCU 3-2
Friday
Match 5: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 5 Austin Peay 3-0
Match 6: No. 4 Coastal Carolina d. No. 6 North Alabama 3-0
Match 7: No. 1 Stetson d. No. 2 North Florida 3-1
Match 8: No. 3 FGCU d. No. 4 Coastal Carolina 3-2
Saturday
Match 9: No. 2 North Florida vs No. 3 FGCU, 11 a.m.
Championship: No. 1 Stetson vs Match 9 winner, 1 p.m.
FULL RESULTS
FGCU 3, Austin Peay 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Panning/Turner 21-14, 26-24
2. Puisis/Rhoades - unfinished
3. Burnam/Whetstone d. Gerig/Stitt 21-18, 21-17
4. Hansen/Borgiotti - unfinished
5. VanLiew/Ryan d. Arrington/Waite 21-15, 21-17
FGCU 3, Coastal Carolina 2
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Alvis/Hardeman 14-21, 24-22, 15-8
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Boyer/Campbell 21-6, 21-14
3. Burnam/Whetstone (FGCU) Federico/Gauthier 21-18, 21-18
4. Djuric/Ladewig (CC) d. Hansen/Borgiotti 11-21, 21-19, 15-11
5. Nemeth/Eske (CC) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-16, 21-17
FGCU Beach Volleyball: A-SUN Tournament Day One Recap
Sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone (21-4) pushed their winning streak to six, and freshman Emma Hansen proved her worth after being inserted into the starting lineup, but the No. 3 seed FGCU beach volleyball team (15-10) dropped a heartbreaking 3-2 match to No. 2 North Florida on Thursday to conclude the first day of the A-SUN tournament at Cooper Beach.
The Eagles opened the first day of the double-elimination tournament with a sweep of No. 6 North Alabama (10-11) in the winner's bracket quarterfinals. The ensuing matchup against North Florida featured seven of 14 sets decided by two points or less and four pairs that went three sets, but FGCU dropped its third 3-2 match to the Ospreys this year.
"I thought we played well collectively, but in tight matches like that, we have to close out better," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "Our matchup against UNF was as expected - extremely competitive and close at the end. Unfortunately, we didn't do a good enough job closing out some key sets and that ultimately came back to haunt us."
Hansen teamed with junior Giovanna Borgiotti (2-0) at the four pair and produced a pair of victories in her postseason debut. After opening with a 21-11, 21-12 victory over North Alabama, the duo let a lead slip away and dropped the opening set against UNF. However, they produced a 21-13 win in the next set and made key plays down the stretch in a 15-13 third-set win.
Borgiotti, meanwhile, improved her program-best postseason record to 7-2. Hansen, who was previously 5-3 in the fifth pair, improved her season winning percentage to .700.
In the third pair, Burnam and Whetstone had to fight their way to becoming the program's first-ever 20-game winners. The duo opened the day with a 21-18, 21-18 win and then lost a tough first-set against UNF by two points. After evening things up with a four-point win in the second, they came from behind to tally a 17-15 tiebreaking set.
In doing so, the sophomore pair is now 21-4 on the season, raising their program-record season winning percentage to .840. They are also one win away from tying Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for sixth-place on the career wins list.
"Gio and Emma did an outstanding job, especially with their limited time together," Botsford said. "Snowy and Kayla did a great job responding to a tough first set and found a way to get us a much needed win at the 3's."
Furthermore, Burnam and Whetstone's win against UNF provided some hope for FGCU as it tied the match at two apiece, but senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder dropped a 16-14 third-set decision on the first court to end the match less than a minute later.
Despite that, the duo pushed its season win total to 15, which puts Garder just one win shy of tying the program's freshman wins record set by Burnam and Whetstone last year. Carroll moved into sole possession of third place on the program's career wins list with 47.
The program's career wins leaders, seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis, lost a pair of two-point sets to North Florida to conclude the day, but not before they stretched their program-record winning streak record to 10 in a 21-12, 21-3 win over North Alabama.
Longest Winning Streaks In Program History
10 - Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis - 2019
8 - Giovanna Borgiotti and Ashley Glickert - 2018
8 - Elisa Anne Aldrich and Madi Wilcox - 2018
FGCU's No. 5 pair of sophomore Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan split the day, as well. VanLiew is just shy of moving her career winning percentage to .500 as she sits at 15-16 overall, while Ryan also won her 15th career match in the opener against North Alabama.
Notes
For the third-consecutive season, FGCU tied the program's single-season wins record in the North Alabama match. They can set a new standard with a victory against Austin Peay on Friday.
Next Up:
The Green and Blue will resume play with a 7:30 a.m. matchup on Friday against No. 5 Austin Peay in a loser's bracket quarterfinal. Should they advance, they would close the day with a 1:30 p.m. tilt against the winner of No. 4 Coastal Carolina and North Alabama in a loser's bracket semifinal.
The Eagles opened the first day of the double-elimination tournament with a sweep of No. 6 North Alabama (10-11) in the winner's bracket quarterfinals. The ensuing matchup against North Florida featured seven of 14 sets decided by two points or less and four pairs that went three sets, but FGCU dropped its third 3-2 match to the Ospreys this year.
"I thought we played well collectively, but in tight matches like that, we have to close out better," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "Our matchup against UNF was as expected - extremely competitive and close at the end. Unfortunately, we didn't do a good enough job closing out some key sets and that ultimately came back to haunt us."
Hansen teamed with junior Giovanna Borgiotti (2-0) at the four pair and produced a pair of victories in her postseason debut. After opening with a 21-11, 21-12 victory over North Alabama, the duo let a lead slip away and dropped the opening set against UNF. However, they produced a 21-13 win in the next set and made key plays down the stretch in a 15-13 third-set win.
Borgiotti, meanwhile, improved her program-best postseason record to 7-2. Hansen, who was previously 5-3 in the fifth pair, improved her season winning percentage to .700.
In the third pair, Burnam and Whetstone had to fight their way to becoming the program's first-ever 20-game winners. The duo opened the day with a 21-18, 21-18 win and then lost a tough first-set against UNF by two points. After evening things up with a four-point win in the second, they came from behind to tally a 17-15 tiebreaking set.
In doing so, the sophomore pair is now 21-4 on the season, raising their program-record season winning percentage to .840. They are also one win away from tying Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for sixth-place on the career wins list.
"Gio and Emma did an outstanding job, especially with their limited time together," Botsford said. "Snowy and Kayla did a great job responding to a tough first set and found a way to get us a much needed win at the 3's."
Furthermore, Burnam and Whetstone's win against UNF provided some hope for FGCU as it tied the match at two apiece, but senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder dropped a 16-14 third-set decision on the first court to end the match less than a minute later.
Despite that, the duo pushed its season win total to 15, which puts Garder just one win shy of tying the program's freshman wins record set by Burnam and Whetstone last year. Carroll moved into sole possession of third place on the program's career wins list with 47.
The program's career wins leaders, seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis, lost a pair of two-point sets to North Florida to conclude the day, but not before they stretched their program-record winning streak record to 10 in a 21-12, 21-3 win over North Alabama.
Longest Winning Streaks In Program History
10 - Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis - 2019
8 - Giovanna Borgiotti and Ashley Glickert - 2018
8 - Elisa Anne Aldrich and Madi Wilcox - 2018
FGCU's No. 5 pair of sophomore Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan split the day, as well. VanLiew is just shy of moving her career winning percentage to .500 as she sits at 15-16 overall, while Ryan also won her 15th career match in the opener against North Alabama.
Notes
For the third-consecutive season, FGCU tied the program's single-season wins record in the North Alabama match. They can set a new standard with a victory against Austin Peay on Friday.
Next Up:
The Green and Blue will resume play with a 7:30 a.m. matchup on Friday against No. 5 Austin Peay in a loser's bracket quarterfinal. Should they advance, they would close the day with a 1:30 p.m. tilt against the winner of No. 4 Coastal Carolina and North Alabama in a loser's bracket semifinal.
FGCU Beach Volleyball: A-SUN Tournament Preview
The third-seeded FGCU beach volleyball team (14-9) will open the A-SUN tournament on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. against sixth-seeded North Alabama (10-10) at the Cooper Beach courts on the campus of Stetson University.
The victor will move on to the winner's bracket semifinal against second-seeded North Florida at 3 p.m. The six-team tournament is double-elimination until the championship, which is winner-take-all.
Tournament Schedule
Thursday
Match 1: No. 4 Coastal Carolina vs No. 5 Austin Peay, 8:30 a.m.
Match 2: No. 3 FGCU vs No. 6 North Alabama, 10:30 a.m.
Match 3: No. 1 Stetson vs Coastal Carolina/Austin Peay winner, 1 p.m.
Match 4: No. 2 North Florida vs FGCU/North Alabama winner, 3 p.m.
Friday
Match 5: Match 1 loser vs Match 4 loser, 9 a.m.
Match 6: Match 2 loser vs Match 3 loser, 11 a.m.
Match 7: Match 3 winner vs Match 4 winner, 1 p.m.
Match 8: Match 5 winner vs Match 6 winner, 3 p.m.
Saturday
Match 9: Match 8 winner vs Match 7 loser, 11 a.m.
Championship: Match 7 winner vs Match 9 winner, 1 p.m.
FGCU's Tournament History:
The Eagles are 10-14 all-time in the A-SUN tournament, having won a pair of matches in each of the past three years, including a championship match appearance in 2017. Giovanna Borgiotti has the best record (5-2) in the tournament among players currently on the roster.
Year-By-Year
2018 - 2-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket final to North Florida
2017 - 2-2 overall, lost in championship to Stetson
2016 - 2-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket final to North Florida
2015 - 1-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket semifinal to North Florida
2014 - 0-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket quarterfinal to Stetson
2013 - 1-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket semifinal to Jacksonville
2012 - 2-2 overall, tournament featured round-robin play
Record By Opponent
Mercer - 4-1
Jacksonville - 2-1
Coastal Carolina - 1-0
Jacksonville - 1-0
North Florida - 2-7
Stetson - 0-5
Individuals in the Tournament
Karissa Rhoades - 5-6
Katherine Puisis - 4-7
Kayla Whetstone - 2-2
Snowy Burnam - 2-2
Cortney VanLiew - 0-4
Amanda Carroll - 3-7
Giovanna Borgiotti - 5-2
Past Champions (Regular Season/Tournament)
2019 - Stetson/TBD
2018 - Stetson/Stetson
2017 - Stetson/Stetson
2016 - Stetson/North Florida
2015 - Stetson/Stetson
2014 - North Florida/Stetson
2013 - North Florida/North Florida
2012 - North Florida/North Florida
Follow Along:
Live stats will be available for each match of the tournament here. Also, every match is being aired on ESPN+. As the tournament progresses, specific links will be posted here and on social media.
On The Line:
The third-seeded Green and Blue are looking to become the first school in conference history to capture an A-SUN tournament championship in both indoor and beach volleyball, and they are just two victories shy of setting a new single-season record for team victories.
Things to Know:
Unlike other sports, the winner of this weekend's tournament does not get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament due to the still-growing nature of the sport.
This will be the third-consecutive season that Stetson has hosted the tournament. FGCU hosted the event in 2014 and 2015.
Livestats Link: https://sidearmstats.com/stetson/bvball/xlive.htm
ESPN+ Link: http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/a3e0a785-a5f7-49c8-a361-f5f3ac19da22/womens-beach-volleyball
The victor will move on to the winner's bracket semifinal against second-seeded North Florida at 3 p.m. The six-team tournament is double-elimination until the championship, which is winner-take-all.
Tournament Schedule
Thursday
Match 1: No. 4 Coastal Carolina vs No. 5 Austin Peay, 8:30 a.m.
Match 2: No. 3 FGCU vs No. 6 North Alabama, 10:30 a.m.
Match 3: No. 1 Stetson vs Coastal Carolina/Austin Peay winner, 1 p.m.
Match 4: No. 2 North Florida vs FGCU/North Alabama winner, 3 p.m.
Friday
Match 5: Match 1 loser vs Match 4 loser, 9 a.m.
Match 6: Match 2 loser vs Match 3 loser, 11 a.m.
Match 7: Match 3 winner vs Match 4 winner, 1 p.m.
Match 8: Match 5 winner vs Match 6 winner, 3 p.m.
Saturday
Match 9: Match 8 winner vs Match 7 loser, 11 a.m.
Championship: Match 7 winner vs Match 9 winner, 1 p.m.
FGCU's Tournament History:
The Eagles are 10-14 all-time in the A-SUN tournament, having won a pair of matches in each of the past three years, including a championship match appearance in 2017. Giovanna Borgiotti has the best record (5-2) in the tournament among players currently on the roster.
Year-By-Year
2018 - 2-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket final to North Florida
2017 - 2-2 overall, lost in championship to Stetson
2016 - 2-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket final to North Florida
2015 - 1-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket semifinal to North Florida
2014 - 0-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket quarterfinal to Stetson
2013 - 1-2 overall, lost in loser's bracket semifinal to Jacksonville
2012 - 2-2 overall, tournament featured round-robin play
Record By Opponent
Mercer - 4-1
Jacksonville - 2-1
Coastal Carolina - 1-0
Jacksonville - 1-0
North Florida - 2-7
Stetson - 0-5
Individuals in the Tournament
Karissa Rhoades - 5-6
Katherine Puisis - 4-7
Kayla Whetstone - 2-2
Snowy Burnam - 2-2
Cortney VanLiew - 0-4
Amanda Carroll - 3-7
Giovanna Borgiotti - 5-2
Past Champions (Regular Season/Tournament)
2019 - Stetson/TBD
2018 - Stetson/Stetson
2017 - Stetson/Stetson
2016 - Stetson/North Florida
2015 - Stetson/Stetson
2014 - North Florida/Stetson
2013 - North Florida/North Florida
2012 - North Florida/North Florida
Follow Along:
Live stats will be available for each match of the tournament here. Also, every match is being aired on ESPN+. As the tournament progresses, specific links will be posted here and on social media.
On The Line:
The third-seeded Green and Blue are looking to become the first school in conference history to capture an A-SUN tournament championship in both indoor and beach volleyball, and they are just two victories shy of setting a new single-season record for team victories.
Things to Know:
Unlike other sports, the winner of this weekend's tournament does not get an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament due to the still-growing nature of the sport.
This will be the third-consecutive season that Stetson has hosted the tournament. FGCU hosted the event in 2014 and 2015.
Livestats Link: https://sidearmstats.com/stetson/bvball/xlive.htm
ESPN+ Link: http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/a3e0a785-a5f7-49c8-a361-f5f3ac19da22/womens-beach-volleyball
FGCU Beach Volleyball @ Jacksonville Recap
Sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone (19-4) broke the program's single-season wins record as the FGCU beach volleyball team (14-9, 4-4 A-SUN A-SUN) concluded the regular season with a doubleheader sweep (5-0, 4-1) of Jacksonville (1-11, 0-8 A-SUN) on the road this afternoon. With the wins, the Eagles are now 11-7 against the Dolphins.
"Having played together for nearly two seasons, Snowy and Kayla's chemistry is as good as we have had," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "It's not a surprise. They're doing what we expected them to do, and they're great teammates."
Single Season Wins Leaders
19 - Kayla Whetstone/Snowy Burnam - 2019 (19-4 .826)
17 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2019 (17-6, .739)
17 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert- 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich/Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Candace Lacour - 2019 (15-8, .652)
15 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
Burnam and Whetstone are the only pair in program history above an .800 winning percentage in a single season at 19-4 overall. They have won 35 matches together in just under two seasons and are already among the top 10 in career victories.
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.826 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (19-4)
.789 - Madi Wilcox/Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.739 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2019 (15-6)
.680 - Katherine Puisis/Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.652 - Candace Lacour/Giovanna Borgiotti - 2019 (15-8)
.640 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
Senior Amanda Carroll picked up her 46th career victory to move into a tie with Madi Wilcox (2014-17) for third-place on the program's all-time list. She sits just behind two of her teammates - seniors Karissa Rhoades (58) and Katherine Puisis (54) - in comprising the top three spots. In fact, junior Giovanna Borgiotti became the fifth player in program history to reach 40 career wins on Saturday and gives this year's team four of the top five on the list.
FGCU held Jacksonville to single-digit sets five times. The lone loss came at the No. 1 pair in the second match. Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder (14-9) evened the match up with a 21-11 win in the second, but dropped a third-set heartbreaker, 21-19.
Meanwhile, the duo of Puisis and Rhoades (17-6), who matched their then-record win total from last year, became the first two-time 17-game winners in program history. Also the first three-time 15-game winners, the duo didn't allow more than 16 points in any of their four sets on Saturday. Rhoades is two victories shy of becoming the program's first-ever 60-game winner.
Career Wins Leaders
58 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
54 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
46 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
41 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
Career Winning Percentage Leaders
.714 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018-present (35-14)
.714 - Snowy Burnam - 2018-present (35-14)
.643 - Katherine Puisis - 2016-present (54-30)
.637 - Karissa Rhoades - 2016-present (58-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox - 2014-17 (46-32)
.569 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2017-present (41-31)
.535 - Amanda Carroll - 2016-present (46-40)
.463 - Mackenzie Allen - 2015-18 (38-44)
.458 - Ashley Glickert - 2015-18 (38-45)
.435 - Caroline Jordan - 2014-17 (30-39)
Garder is two wins shy of matching the program's freshman wins record set by Burnam and Whetstone last year.
Borgiotti once again teamed with redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour (15-8) to record two more victories. She is the only player in program history to record double-digit wins at three separate pairs - No. 4 (15), No. 3 (14) and No. 2 (12).
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew pushed her career-high win total to 13.
The Green and Blue, who have now won four consecutive matches, will await Sunday's A-SUN tournament at-large selections. Stetson and Coastal Carolina have already clinched spots due to winning each division, and the final four spots will come from the remaining eight teams. Those selected will compete for the title in the double-elimination event April 18-20 in DeLand, Fla.
FGCU is one win shy of reaching a single-season team-record 15 victories for the third-consecutive season.
Updated A-SUN Standings
North Division
Stetson - 26-8, 8-0
North Florida - 19-12, 6-2
FGCU - 14-9, 4-4
Mercer - 7-6, 2-6
Jacksonville - 1-11, 0-8
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 19-9, 8-0
Morehead State - 14-6, 4-3
Austin Peay - 13-12, 4-4
North Alabama - 9-10, 3-4
Jacksonville State - 3-13, 0-8
A-SUN Schedule/Results
Saturday
FGCU d. Jacksonville 5-0, 4-1
Morehead State d.North Alabama 3-2 (results of second match not yet available)
RESULTS
FGCU 5, Jacksonville 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Dees/Krawczyk 21-15, 21-12
2. Rhoades/Puisis d. Befus/Dyslin 21-12, 21-14
3. Burnam/Whetstone d. Wristen/Mattingly 21-14, 21-9
4. Lacour/Borgiotti d. Lahner/Wehner 21-14, 21-6
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Dagenhart/Reiser 21-17, 21-19
FGCU 4, Jacksonville 1
1. Dees/Krawczyk (Jacksonville) d. Garder/Carroll 21-16, 11-21, 21-19
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Befus/Dyslin 21-14, 21-16
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Wristen/Mattingly 21-6, 21-16
4. Borgiotti/Lacour (FGCU) d. Dagenhart/Reiser 21-16, 21-9
5. Ryan/VanLiew (FGCU) d. Lahner/Wehner 21-10, 21-6
"Having played together for nearly two seasons, Snowy and Kayla's chemistry is as good as we have had," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "It's not a surprise. They're doing what we expected them to do, and they're great teammates."
Single Season Wins Leaders
19 - Kayla Whetstone/Snowy Burnam - 2019 (19-4 .826)
17 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2019 (17-6, .739)
17 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert- 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich/Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Candace Lacour - 2019 (15-8, .652)
15 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
Burnam and Whetstone are the only pair in program history above an .800 winning percentage in a single season at 19-4 overall. They have won 35 matches together in just under two seasons and are already among the top 10 in career victories.
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.826 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (19-4)
.789 - Madi Wilcox/Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.739 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2019 (15-6)
.680 - Katherine Puisis/Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.652 - Candace Lacour/Giovanna Borgiotti - 2019 (15-8)
.640 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
Senior Amanda Carroll picked up her 46th career victory to move into a tie with Madi Wilcox (2014-17) for third-place on the program's all-time list. She sits just behind two of her teammates - seniors Karissa Rhoades (58) and Katherine Puisis (54) - in comprising the top three spots. In fact, junior Giovanna Borgiotti became the fifth player in program history to reach 40 career wins on Saturday and gives this year's team four of the top five on the list.
FGCU held Jacksonville to single-digit sets five times. The lone loss came at the No. 1 pair in the second match. Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder (14-9) evened the match up with a 21-11 win in the second, but dropped a third-set heartbreaker, 21-19.
Meanwhile, the duo of Puisis and Rhoades (17-6), who matched their then-record win total from last year, became the first two-time 17-game winners in program history. Also the first three-time 15-game winners, the duo didn't allow more than 16 points in any of their four sets on Saturday. Rhoades is two victories shy of becoming the program's first-ever 60-game winner.
Career Wins Leaders
58 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
54 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
46 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
41 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
Career Winning Percentage Leaders
.714 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018-present (35-14)
.714 - Snowy Burnam - 2018-present (35-14)
.643 - Katherine Puisis - 2016-present (54-30)
.637 - Karissa Rhoades - 2016-present (58-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox - 2014-17 (46-32)
.569 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2017-present (41-31)
.535 - Amanda Carroll - 2016-present (46-40)
.463 - Mackenzie Allen - 2015-18 (38-44)
.458 - Ashley Glickert - 2015-18 (38-45)
.435 - Caroline Jordan - 2014-17 (30-39)
Garder is two wins shy of matching the program's freshman wins record set by Burnam and Whetstone last year.
Borgiotti once again teamed with redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour (15-8) to record two more victories. She is the only player in program history to record double-digit wins at three separate pairs - No. 4 (15), No. 3 (14) and No. 2 (12).
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew pushed her career-high win total to 13.
The Green and Blue, who have now won four consecutive matches, will await Sunday's A-SUN tournament at-large selections. Stetson and Coastal Carolina have already clinched spots due to winning each division, and the final four spots will come from the remaining eight teams. Those selected will compete for the title in the double-elimination event April 18-20 in DeLand, Fla.
FGCU is one win shy of reaching a single-season team-record 15 victories for the third-consecutive season.
Updated A-SUN Standings
North Division
Stetson - 26-8, 8-0
North Florida - 19-12, 6-2
FGCU - 14-9, 4-4
Mercer - 7-6, 2-6
Jacksonville - 1-11, 0-8
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 19-9, 8-0
Morehead State - 14-6, 4-3
Austin Peay - 13-12, 4-4
North Alabama - 9-10, 3-4
Jacksonville State - 3-13, 0-8
A-SUN Schedule/Results
Saturday
FGCU d. Jacksonville 5-0, 4-1
Morehead State d.North Alabama 3-2 (results of second match not yet available)
RESULTS
FGCU 5, Jacksonville 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Dees/Krawczyk 21-15, 21-12
2. Rhoades/Puisis d. Befus/Dyslin 21-12, 21-14
3. Burnam/Whetstone d. Wristen/Mattingly 21-14, 21-9
4. Lacour/Borgiotti d. Lahner/Wehner 21-14, 21-6
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Dagenhart/Reiser 21-17, 21-19
FGCU 4, Jacksonville 1
1. Dees/Krawczyk (Jacksonville) d. Garder/Carroll 21-16, 11-21, 21-19
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Befus/Dyslin 21-14, 21-16
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Wristen/Mattingly 21-6, 21-16
4. Borgiotti/Lacour (FGCU) d. Dagenhart/Reiser 21-16, 21-9
5. Ryan/VanLiew (FGCU) d. Lahner/Wehner 21-10, 21-6
FGCU Beach Volleyball @ Mercer Recap
The FGCU beach volleyball team (12-9, 2-4 A-SUN) made history while putting up a pair of sweeps over Mercer University (7-6, 2-6 A-SUN) on Friday at Dolphin Beach on the campus of Jacksonville University.
"Two sweeps after coming off a disappointing loss is a big step in the right direction for us," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We need to keep it moving into Jacksonville on Saturday and put ourselves in good shape for a conference tournament bid."
The Green and Blue will conclude its regular season on Saturday with a pair of matches against Jacksonville (1-9, 0-6 A-SUN). Following that, FGCU will await its postseason fate as it tries to earn one of four at-large bids in the A-SUN tournament. Stetson and Coastal Carolina have already clinched the conference's automatic bids.
On Friday, the No. 3 duo of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone didn't allow more than 15 points in any of their four sets against Mercer, improving its win total to 17 and tying the program's single-season record established by seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis last year.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Kayla Whetstone/Snowy Burnam - 2019 (17-4 .810)
17 - Katherine Puisis/Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert- 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich/Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Karissa Rhoades/ Katherine Puisis - 2019 (15-6, .714)
15 - Karissa Rhoades/ Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
On top of that, Burnam and Whetstone reached the win total four matches faster than their now-senior counterparts did.
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.810 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (17-4)
.789 - Madi Wilcox/Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.714 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2019 (15-6)
.680 - Katherine Puisis/Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.640 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
Puisis and Rhoades, meanwhile, became the first pair in program history to achieve at least 15 wins in three consecutive seasons. The duo lost its first set of the day, but fought back to win 15-9 in the final set and then swept the day's finale - improving to 15-6 this season.
Senior Amanda Carroll teamed with freshman Kirstine Garder to win all four sets on Friday at the No. 1 pair. She now has a career-high 13 victories this year, while Garder is three wins shy of matching the program's freshman wins record set by Burnam and Whetstone last year. Carroll also needs just two more wins to give this year's team the top three spots in career victories.
Career Wins Leaders
56 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
52 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
45 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
39 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
Career Winning Percentage Leaders
.702 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018-19 (33-14)
.702 - Snowy Burnam - 2018-19 (33-14)
.634 - Katherine Puisis - 2016-19 (52-30)
.629 - Karissa Rhoades - 2016-19 (56-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox - 2014-17 (46-32)
.557 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2017-19 (39-31)
.536 - Amanda Carroll - 2016-19 (45-39)
.463 - Mackenzie Allen - 2015-18 (38-44)
.458 - Ashley Glickert - 2015-18 (38-45)
.435 - Caroline Jordan - 2014-17 (30-39)
Sophomores Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan also won each of their four sets. The duo are now 6-7 together this year, while VanLiew eclipsed double-digit victories overall (11) for the first time in her nearly two-year career.
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour are now 13-8 in their first season together. Borgiotti has put herself just one win shy of becoming the fifth player in program history with at least 40 victories.
Updated A-SUN Standings
North Division
Stetson - 26-8, 8-0
North Florida - 19-12, 6-2
FGCU - 12-9, 2-4
Mercer - 7-6, 2-6
Jacksonville - 1-9, 0-6
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 19-9, 8-0
North Alabama - 9-9, 3-3
Morehead State - 13-6, 3-3
Austin Peay - 13-12, 4-4
Jacksonville State - 3-13, 0-8
A-SUN Schedule/Results
Friday
Coastal Carolina d. Jacksonville State 5-0, 5-0
FGCU d. Mercer 5-0, 5-0
Saturday
FGCU @ Jacksonville (DH)
Morehead State @ North Alabama (DH)
RESULTS
FGCU 5, Mercer 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Gibson/Garanich 21-19, 21-16
2. Rhoades/Puisis d. Merchant/Ogden 16-21, 21-16, 15-9
3. Burnam/Whetstone d. McIntosh/Boeve 21-11, 21-14
4. Lacour/Borgiotti d. Keeling/Wissmach 23-21, 21-19
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Gibson/Nunley 21-17, 21-15
FGCU 5, Mercer 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Gibson/Garanich 21-17, 21-17
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Ogden/Merchant 21-17, 21-15
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. McIntosh/Boeve 21-15, 21-14
4. Borgiotti/Lacour d. Keeling/Wissmach 13-21, 21-12, 15-10
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Nunley/Gibson 21-18, 21-16
"Two sweeps after coming off a disappointing loss is a big step in the right direction for us," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We need to keep it moving into Jacksonville on Saturday and put ourselves in good shape for a conference tournament bid."
The Green and Blue will conclude its regular season on Saturday with a pair of matches against Jacksonville (1-9, 0-6 A-SUN). Following that, FGCU will await its postseason fate as it tries to earn one of four at-large bids in the A-SUN tournament. Stetson and Coastal Carolina have already clinched the conference's automatic bids.
On Friday, the No. 3 duo of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone didn't allow more than 15 points in any of their four sets against Mercer, improving its win total to 17 and tying the program's single-season record established by seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis last year.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Kayla Whetstone/Snowy Burnam - 2019 (17-4 .810)
17 - Katherine Puisis/Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert- 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich/Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Karissa Rhoades/ Katherine Puisis - 2019 (15-6, .714)
15 - Karissa Rhoades/ Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
On top of that, Burnam and Whetstone reached the win total four matches faster than their now-senior counterparts did.
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.810 - Snowy Burnam/Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (17-4)
.789 - Madi Wilcox/Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.714 - Karissa Rhoades/Katherine Puisis - 2019 (15-6)
.680 - Katherine Puisis/Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.640 - Giovanna Borgiotti/Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
Puisis and Rhoades, meanwhile, became the first pair in program history to achieve at least 15 wins in three consecutive seasons. The duo lost its first set of the day, but fought back to win 15-9 in the final set and then swept the day's finale - improving to 15-6 this season.
Senior Amanda Carroll teamed with freshman Kirstine Garder to win all four sets on Friday at the No. 1 pair. She now has a career-high 13 victories this year, while Garder is three wins shy of matching the program's freshman wins record set by Burnam and Whetstone last year. Carroll also needs just two more wins to give this year's team the top three spots in career victories.
Career Wins Leaders
56 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
52 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
45 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
39 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
Career Winning Percentage Leaders
.702 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018-19 (33-14)
.702 - Snowy Burnam - 2018-19 (33-14)
.634 - Katherine Puisis - 2016-19 (52-30)
.629 - Karissa Rhoades - 2016-19 (56-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox - 2014-17 (46-32)
.557 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2017-19 (39-31)
.536 - Amanda Carroll - 2016-19 (45-39)
.463 - Mackenzie Allen - 2015-18 (38-44)
.458 - Ashley Glickert - 2015-18 (38-45)
.435 - Caroline Jordan - 2014-17 (30-39)
Sophomores Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan also won each of their four sets. The duo are now 6-7 together this year, while VanLiew eclipsed double-digit victories overall (11) for the first time in her nearly two-year career.
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour are now 13-8 in their first season together. Borgiotti has put herself just one win shy of becoming the fifth player in program history with at least 40 victories.
Updated A-SUN Standings
North Division
Stetson - 26-8, 8-0
North Florida - 19-12, 6-2
FGCU - 12-9, 2-4
Mercer - 7-6, 2-6
Jacksonville - 1-9, 0-6
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 19-9, 8-0
North Alabama - 9-9, 3-3
Morehead State - 13-6, 3-3
Austin Peay - 13-12, 4-4
Jacksonville State - 3-13, 0-8
A-SUN Schedule/Results
Friday
Coastal Carolina d. Jacksonville State 5-0, 5-0
FGCU d. Mercer 5-0, 5-0
Saturday
FGCU @ Jacksonville (DH)
Morehead State @ North Alabama (DH)
RESULTS
FGCU 5, Mercer 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Gibson/Garanich 21-19, 21-16
2. Rhoades/Puisis d. Merchant/Ogden 16-21, 21-16, 15-9
3. Burnam/Whetstone d. McIntosh/Boeve 21-11, 21-14
4. Lacour/Borgiotti d. Keeling/Wissmach 23-21, 21-19
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Gibson/Nunley 21-17, 21-15
FGCU 5, Mercer 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Gibson/Garanich 21-17, 21-17
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Ogden/Merchant 21-17, 21-15
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. McIntosh/Boeve 21-15, 21-14
4. Borgiotti/Lacour d. Keeling/Wissmach 13-21, 21-12, 15-10
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Nunley/Gibson 21-18, 21-16
FGCU Beach Volleyball @ UNF Recap
The No. 2 pair of seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis won both matchups on the day, but the FGCU beach volleyball team (10-9, 0-4 A-SUN) dropped a pair of 3-2 matches to North Florida (19-12, 6-2 A-SUN) on the road this afternoon.
"We had two extremely competitive matches," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "I was really pleased with the performances of all our pairs. Katie and Karissa did a great job, and we were getting to a lot of third sets. We just have to find a way to close it out."
The Eagles will look to bounce back with a pair of doubleheaders against Mercer (7-4, 2-4 A-SUN) and Jacksonville (1-9, 0-6 A-SUN) on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Following that, the team will await its postseason fate from the A-SUN tournament selection committee.
Rhoades and Puisis won a pair of thrilling, three-set matches via 15-13 and 15-12 third-set victories over UNF's Antonia Harrison and Jessi Freeman. In doing so, the duo improved to 13-6 on the season and Puisis joined her partner as one of only two players in program history to achieve 50 career wins.
Career Wins Leaders
54 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
50 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
43 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
37 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
The No. 3 pair of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone took a 16-14 third set in the opener over UNF's Nicole DeBolt and Madilyn McCarty. Despite a loss in the finale, the pair is now a team-best 15-4 this year, which puts them three victories shy of breaking the single-season wins record set last year by Puisis and Rhoades.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 - Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam - 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (15-4 .789)
15 - Snowy Burnam - 2019 (15-4 .789)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 - Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
Senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder bounced back from a loss in today's first match to claim a hard-fought 22-20, 15-21, 15-11 victory in the finale. Carroll is now three victories shy of matching Madi Wilcox (46, 2014-17) for the third-most career victories, while Garder won her 11th match on the season, which puts her five short of matching the freshman wins record established by Burnam and Whetstone last year.
Updated A-SUN Standings
North Division
Stetson - 23-8, 8-0
North Florida - 19-12, 6-2
Mercer - 7-4, 2-4
FGCU - 10-9, 0-4
Jacksonville - 1-9, 0-6
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 15-9, 4-0
North Alabama - 9-7, 3-1
Morehead State - 13-6, 3-3
Austin Peay - 12-12, 4-4
Jacksonville State - 3-11, 0-6
Upcoming A-SUN Schedule
Friday
Coastal Carolina @ Jacksonville State (DH)
FGCU vs Mercer in Jacksonville (DH)
Saturday
FGCU @ Jacksonville (DH)
Morehead State @ North Alabama (DH)
RESULTS
North Florida 3, FGCU 2
1. Pase/Howard (UNF) d. Garder/Carroll 21-14, 21-16
2. Rhoades/Puisis (FGCU) d. Harrison/Freeman 22-20, 19-21, 15-13
3. Burnam/Whetstone (FGCU) d. DeBolt/McCarty 21-10, 16-21, 16-14
4. Roskic/Workman (UNF) d. Lacour/Borgiotti 17-21, 21-19, 15-13
5. Smith/Galinis (UNF) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-18, 21-15
North Florida 3, FGCU 2
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Pase/Howard 22-20, 15-21, 15-11
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Harrison/Freeman 21-14, 16-21, 15-12
3. DeBolt/McCarty (UNF) d. Burnam/Whetstone 21-12, 21-17
4. Roskic/Workman (UNF) d. Borgiotti/Lacour 17-21, 21-18, 15-10
5. Galinis/Smith (UNF) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-18, 19-21, 15-13
"We had two extremely competitive matches," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "I was really pleased with the performances of all our pairs. Katie and Karissa did a great job, and we were getting to a lot of third sets. We just have to find a way to close it out."
The Eagles will look to bounce back with a pair of doubleheaders against Mercer (7-4, 2-4 A-SUN) and Jacksonville (1-9, 0-6 A-SUN) on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Following that, the team will await its postseason fate from the A-SUN tournament selection committee.
Rhoades and Puisis won a pair of thrilling, three-set matches via 15-13 and 15-12 third-set victories over UNF's Antonia Harrison and Jessi Freeman. In doing so, the duo improved to 13-6 on the season and Puisis joined her partner as one of only two players in program history to achieve 50 career wins.
Career Wins Leaders
54 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
50 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
43 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
37 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
The No. 3 pair of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone took a 16-14 third set in the opener over UNF's Nicole DeBolt and Madilyn McCarty. Despite a loss in the finale, the pair is now a team-best 15-4 this year, which puts them three victories shy of breaking the single-season wins record set last year by Puisis and Rhoades.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 - Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam - 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (15-4 .789)
15 - Snowy Burnam - 2019 (15-4 .789)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 - Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
Senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder bounced back from a loss in today's first match to claim a hard-fought 22-20, 15-21, 15-11 victory in the finale. Carroll is now three victories shy of matching Madi Wilcox (46, 2014-17) for the third-most career victories, while Garder won her 11th match on the season, which puts her five short of matching the freshman wins record established by Burnam and Whetstone last year.
Updated A-SUN Standings
North Division
Stetson - 23-8, 8-0
North Florida - 19-12, 6-2
Mercer - 7-4, 2-4
FGCU - 10-9, 0-4
Jacksonville - 1-9, 0-6
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 15-9, 4-0
North Alabama - 9-7, 3-1
Morehead State - 13-6, 3-3
Austin Peay - 12-12, 4-4
Jacksonville State - 3-11, 0-6
Upcoming A-SUN Schedule
Friday
Coastal Carolina @ Jacksonville State (DH)
FGCU vs Mercer in Jacksonville (DH)
Saturday
FGCU @ Jacksonville (DH)
Morehead State @ North Alabama (DH)
RESULTS
North Florida 3, FGCU 2
1. Pase/Howard (UNF) d. Garder/Carroll 21-14, 21-16
2. Rhoades/Puisis (FGCU) d. Harrison/Freeman 22-20, 19-21, 15-13
3. Burnam/Whetstone (FGCU) d. DeBolt/McCarty 21-10, 16-21, 16-14
4. Roskic/Workman (UNF) d. Lacour/Borgiotti 17-21, 21-19, 15-13
5. Smith/Galinis (UNF) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-18, 21-15
North Florida 3, FGCU 2
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Pase/Howard 22-20, 15-21, 15-11
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Harrison/Freeman 21-14, 16-21, 15-12
3. DeBolt/McCarty (UNF) d. Burnam/Whetstone 21-12, 21-17
4. Roskic/Workman (UNF) d. Borgiotti/Lacour 17-21, 21-18, 15-10
5. Galinis/Smith (UNF) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-18, 19-21, 15-13
FGCU Beach Volleyball Road Trip
The FGCU beach volleyball team (10-7, 0-2 A-SUN) will conclude its regular season with six crucial conference matches over the next three days against Jacksonville (1-9, 0-6 A-SUN), Mercer (7-2, 2-2 A-SUN) and North Florida (17-12, 4-2 A-SUN) on the road.
The Green and Blue will open the action with a 9 a.m. doubleheader against North Florida on Thursday before staying in town to battle Mercer for a twin-bill at 3 p.m. on Friday. Saturday's tilts against Jacksonville will start at 11 a.m.
What's At Stake:
This summer, the A-SUN announced the additions of Austin Peay, Jacksonville State and Morehead State as affiliate members of the conference for beach volleyball. Those three teams competed as independent programs in the NCAA the past several seasons and joined new A-SUN member North Alabama in bringing the conference to 10 members and a division split.
In terms of the postseason, the top team from each division will automatically qualify for the A-SUN tournament. They will be joined by four at-large participants with selection and seeding done by the A-SUN office, in conjunction with the same process currently employed by the NCAA.
Thus, the next three days will determine who gets a postseason bid.
A-SUN Beach Volleyball Standings
North Division
Stetson - 21-8, 6-0
North Florida - 17-12, 4-2
Mercer - 7-2, 2-2
FGCU - 10-7, 0-2
Jacksonville - 1-9, 0-6
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 15-9, 4-0
North Alabama - 9-7, 3-1
Morehead State - 13-6, 3-3
Austin Peay - 10-12, 4-4
Jacksonville State - 3-11, 0-6
A-SUN Beach Volleyball Schedule
Wednesday
Mercer @ Stetson (DH)
Thursday
FGCU @ North Florida (DH)
Coastal Carolina @ North Alabama (DH)
Friday
Coastal Carolina @ Jacksonville State (DH)
FGCU vs Mercer in Jacksonville (DH)
Saturday
FGCU @ Jacksonville (DH)
Morehead State @ North Alabama (DH)
Series History:
FGCU is 10-7 all-time against Mercer with four straight wins, 9-7 against Jacksonville with six straight victories and 5-17 against North Florida, although the Eagles have won five of the past nine in the series.
Opponent Capsules:
North Florida has played eight ranked opponents this season with a combined opponent winning percentage of .593. Dana Roskic and Callie Workman have been UNF's winningest pair this year, posting a 21-8 overall record. They were tabbed A-SUN Pair of the Week earlier this year and are on a seven-match winning streak. Workman and Roskic are 19-6 at the No. 4 pair and topped their opposing pair in both of the matches against No. 10/11 Stetson this past weekend. The Ospreys have received votes in the AVCA Coaches Poll in five different weeks.
Mercer is set to take on Stetson this afternoon before meeting FGCU on Friday. The Bears got their lone win against North Florida last weekend from Kacy Ogden and Elli Merchant. Conversely, the team swept Jacksonville while dropping only one set. Four of their victories are against non-Division-I teams.
Jacksonville enters this week having lost eight straight. The lone victory for the Dolphins came against Eckerd College on March 1.
Green and Blue Notes
As a team, FGCU clinched its fourth-consecutive season with at least 10 wins on Saturday, which is a program-first.
The sophomore duo of Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone continued a torrid start to the season, moving to 14-3 overall. They are just three wins shy of matching the single-season record set by seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis last year and have reached the 30-win milestone in just under two seasons together - becoming the ninth and 10th players in program history to equal that benchmark.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 - Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam - 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 - Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9 .625)
14 - Caroline Jordan - 2017 (14-9 .609)
14 - Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3, .824)
14 - Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3, .824)
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.824 Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3)
.824 Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3)
.789 Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4)
.789 Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.680 Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.680 Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8)
.640 Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9)
.640 Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
.625 Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9)
.625 Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9)
Senior Amanda Carroll, who has teamed with freshman Kirstine Garder all year, became the first player in program history to win 10 or more matches at the No. 1 pair in three consecutive seasons. In fact, before she arrived on campus, nobody had won more than six matches at the top pair in a season. On the flip side, Garder became the first freshman to win 10 or more matches at No. 1. The duo is 10-7 overall.
Puisis now has 48 career victories, which moves her into sole possession of second place in career victories, just behind her partner, Rhoades, who has 52. Meanwhile, junior Giovanna Borgiotti is one victory shy of moving into the top five in career wins. She became the first player in program history with three-straight double-digit win totals to open her collegiate career last weekend.
Career Wins Leaders
52 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
48 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
42 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
37 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
Due to their 30-win benchmark, Whetstone and Burnam now qualify for the program's career winning percentage leaders - and they aren't looking up at anyone.
Career Winning Percentage Leaders (Minimum 30 Wins)
.698 - Snowy Burnam, 2016-19 (30-13)
.698 - Kayla Whetstone, 2016-19 (30-13)
.615 - Katherine Puisis; 2016-19 (48-30)
.612 - Karissa Rhoades; 2016-19 (52-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox; 2014-17 (46-32)
.561 - Giovanna Borgiotti; 2017-19 (37-29)
.525 - Amanda Carroll; 2016-19 (42-38)
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew has been a mainstay at the No. 5 pair for the Green and Blue this year. The sophomore moved to 9-8 on the season after Saturday's action, which improves her career-high win total.
The Green and Blue will open the action with a 9 a.m. doubleheader against North Florida on Thursday before staying in town to battle Mercer for a twin-bill at 3 p.m. on Friday. Saturday's tilts against Jacksonville will start at 11 a.m.
What's At Stake:
This summer, the A-SUN announced the additions of Austin Peay, Jacksonville State and Morehead State as affiliate members of the conference for beach volleyball. Those three teams competed as independent programs in the NCAA the past several seasons and joined new A-SUN member North Alabama in bringing the conference to 10 members and a division split.
In terms of the postseason, the top team from each division will automatically qualify for the A-SUN tournament. They will be joined by four at-large participants with selection and seeding done by the A-SUN office, in conjunction with the same process currently employed by the NCAA.
Thus, the next three days will determine who gets a postseason bid.
A-SUN Beach Volleyball Standings
North Division
Stetson - 21-8, 6-0
North Florida - 17-12, 4-2
Mercer - 7-2, 2-2
FGCU - 10-7, 0-2
Jacksonville - 1-9, 0-6
South Division
Coastal Carolina - 15-9, 4-0
North Alabama - 9-7, 3-1
Morehead State - 13-6, 3-3
Austin Peay - 10-12, 4-4
Jacksonville State - 3-11, 0-6
A-SUN Beach Volleyball Schedule
Wednesday
Mercer @ Stetson (DH)
Thursday
FGCU @ North Florida (DH)
Coastal Carolina @ North Alabama (DH)
Friday
Coastal Carolina @ Jacksonville State (DH)
FGCU vs Mercer in Jacksonville (DH)
Saturday
FGCU @ Jacksonville (DH)
Morehead State @ North Alabama (DH)
Series History:
FGCU is 10-7 all-time against Mercer with four straight wins, 9-7 against Jacksonville with six straight victories and 5-17 against North Florida, although the Eagles have won five of the past nine in the series.
Opponent Capsules:
North Florida has played eight ranked opponents this season with a combined opponent winning percentage of .593. Dana Roskic and Callie Workman have been UNF's winningest pair this year, posting a 21-8 overall record. They were tabbed A-SUN Pair of the Week earlier this year and are on a seven-match winning streak. Workman and Roskic are 19-6 at the No. 4 pair and topped their opposing pair in both of the matches against No. 10/11 Stetson this past weekend. The Ospreys have received votes in the AVCA Coaches Poll in five different weeks.
Mercer is set to take on Stetson this afternoon before meeting FGCU on Friday. The Bears got their lone win against North Florida last weekend from Kacy Ogden and Elli Merchant. Conversely, the team swept Jacksonville while dropping only one set. Four of their victories are against non-Division-I teams.
Jacksonville enters this week having lost eight straight. The lone victory for the Dolphins came against Eckerd College on March 1.
Green and Blue Notes
As a team, FGCU clinched its fourth-consecutive season with at least 10 wins on Saturday, which is a program-first.
The sophomore duo of Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone continued a torrid start to the season, moving to 14-3 overall. They are just three wins shy of matching the single-season record set by seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis last year and have reached the 30-win milestone in just under two seasons together - becoming the ninth and 10th players in program history to equal that benchmark.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 - Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam - 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 - Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9 .625)
14 - Caroline Jordan - 2017 (14-9 .609)
14 - Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3, .824)
14 - Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3, .824)
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.824 Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3)
.824 Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3)
.789 Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4)
.789 Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.680 Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.680 Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8)
.640 Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9)
.640 Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
.625 Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9)
.625 Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9)
Senior Amanda Carroll, who has teamed with freshman Kirstine Garder all year, became the first player in program history to win 10 or more matches at the No. 1 pair in three consecutive seasons. In fact, before she arrived on campus, nobody had won more than six matches at the top pair in a season. On the flip side, Garder became the first freshman to win 10 or more matches at No. 1. The duo is 10-7 overall.
Puisis now has 48 career victories, which moves her into sole possession of second place in career victories, just behind her partner, Rhoades, who has 52. Meanwhile, junior Giovanna Borgiotti is one victory shy of moving into the top five in career wins. She became the first player in program history with three-straight double-digit win totals to open her collegiate career last weekend.
Career Wins Leaders
52 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
48 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
42 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
37 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
Due to their 30-win benchmark, Whetstone and Burnam now qualify for the program's career winning percentage leaders - and they aren't looking up at anyone.
Career Winning Percentage Leaders (Minimum 30 Wins)
.698 - Snowy Burnam, 2016-19 (30-13)
.698 - Kayla Whetstone, 2016-19 (30-13)
.615 - Katherine Puisis; 2016-19 (48-30)
.612 - Karissa Rhoades; 2016-19 (52-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox; 2014-17 (46-32)
.561 - Giovanna Borgiotti; 2017-19 (37-29)
.525 - Amanda Carroll; 2016-19 (42-38)
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew has been a mainstay at the No. 5 pair for the Green and Blue this year. The sophomore moved to 9-8 on the season after Saturday's action, which improves her career-high win total.
FGCU Beach Volleyball vs Florida Southern/Tampa Recap
The FGCU beach volleyball team (10-7) concluded the non-conference portion of its schedule on Saturday with a pair of 5-0 victories over Florida Southern (10-11) and Tampa (12-10) at the UT Beach Volleyball Complex.
"I was really impressed with the way each pairing played," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "Across the board, that was the most consistent performance we have had all season. The team is making strides and you could see how motivated and focused they were from the first match all the way through the second."
The win over Tampa allowed FGCU to avenge a 3-2 loss on March 9 in St. Petersburg, while the victory against Florida Southern finished a season-sweep of the Mocs. The Eagles will be back in action on Thursday at 9 a.m. with a doubleheader against North Florida in Jacksonville.
The duo of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone continued a torrid start to the season, moving to 14-3 overall. They are just three wins shy of matching the single-season record set by now seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis last year and have reached the 30-win milestone in just under two seasons together - becoming the ninth and 10th players in program history to equal that benchmark.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 - Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam - 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 - Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9 .625)
14 - Caroline Jordan - 2017 (14-9 .609)
14 - Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3, .824)
14 - Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3, .824)
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.824 Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3)
.824 Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3)
.789 Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4)
.789 Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.680 Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.680 Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8)
.640 Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9)
.640 Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
.625 Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9)
.625 Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9)
Senior Amanda Carroll, who has teamed with freshman Kirstine Garder all year, became the first player in program history to win 10 or more matches at the No. 1 pair in three consecutive seasons. In fact, before she arrived on campus, nobody had won more than six matches at the top pair in a season. On the flip side, Garder became the first freshman to win 10 or more matches at No. 1. The duo is 10-7 overall.
Puisis now has 48 career victories, which moves her into sole possession of second place in career victories, just behind her partner, Rhoades, who has 52. Meanwhile, junior Giovanna Borgiotti is one victory shy of moving into the top five in career wins. She became the first player in program history with three-straight double-digit win totals to open her collegiate career on Saturday.
Career Wins Leaders
52 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
48 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
42 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
37 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
Due to their 30-win benchmark, Whetstone and Burnam now qualify for the program's career winning percentage leaders - and they aren't looking up at anyone.
Career Winning Percentage Leaders (Minimum 30 Wins)
.698 - Snowy Burnam, 2016-19 (30-13)
.698 - Kayla Whetstone, 2016-19 (30-13)
.615 - Katherine Puisis; 2016-19 (48-30)
.612 - Karissa Rhoades; 2016-19 (52-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox; 2014-17 (46-32)
.561 - Giovanna Borgiotti; 2017-19 (37-29)
.525 - Amanda Carroll; 2016-19 (42-38)
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew has been a mainstay at the No. 5 pair for the Green and Blue this year. The sophomore moved to 9-8 on the season after Saturday's action, which improves her career-high win total.
This summer, the A-SUN announced the additions of Austin Peay, Jacksonville State and Morehead State as affiliate members of the conference for beach volleyball. Those three teams competed as independent programs in the NCAA the past several seasons and will join new A-SUN member North Alabama in bringing the conference to 10 members and a division split. The North Division features Coastal Carolina, Austin Peay, Jacksonville State, Morehead State and North Alabama. The South Division features FGCU, Jacksonville, Mercer, North Florida and Stetson.
In terms of the postseason, the top team from each division will automatically qualify for the A-SUN tournament. They will be joined by four at-large participants with selection and seeding done by the A-SUN office, in conjunction with the same process currently employed by the NCAA.
Thus, the regular season finale against division foes North Florida, Mercer and Jacksonville will play a large role in who gets postseason berths.
RESULTS
FGCU 5, Florida Southern 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Wilson/Montoya 21-16, 21-14
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Trefren/Whiteleather 24-22, 21-14
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. Calhoun/Mathews 21-14, 21-6
4. Borgiotti/Lacour d. Goodrich/Greco 21-14, 21-9
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Jones/Nichols 21-19, 21-9
FGCU 5, Tampa 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Oswald/Rosequist 21-17, 16-21, 15-12
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Houghton/McKiel 22-20, 21-7
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. Rosequist/Thompson 21-17, 21-18
4. Borgiotti/Lacour d. 22-20, 29-31, 15-8
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Duffy/Haslag 21-10, 23-21
Up Next:
FGCU will now close the regular season with six crucial conference matches over a three-day stretch beginning Thursday in Jacksonville. The Eagles will face North Florida, Mercer and Jacksonville over that period.
"I was really impressed with the way each pairing played," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "Across the board, that was the most consistent performance we have had all season. The team is making strides and you could see how motivated and focused they were from the first match all the way through the second."
The win over Tampa allowed FGCU to avenge a 3-2 loss on March 9 in St. Petersburg, while the victory against Florida Southern finished a season-sweep of the Mocs. The Eagles will be back in action on Thursday at 9 a.m. with a doubleheader against North Florida in Jacksonville.
The duo of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone continued a torrid start to the season, moving to 14-3 overall. They are just three wins shy of matching the single-season record set by now seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis last year and have reached the 30-win milestone in just under two seasons together - becoming the ninth and 10th players in program history to equal that benchmark.
Single Season Wins Leaders
17 - Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 - Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 - Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 - Snowy Burnam - 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 - Kayla Whetstone - 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 - Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 - Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 - Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9 .625)
14 - Caroline Jordan - 2017 (14-9 .609)
14 - Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3, .824)
14 - Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3, .824)
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.824 Snowy Burnam - 2019 (14-3)
.824 Kayla Whetstone - 2019 (14-3)
.789 Madi Wilcox - 2016 (15-4)
.789 Elisa Anne Aldrich - 2016 (15-4)
.680 Karissa Rhoades - 2018 (17-8)
.680 Katherine Puisis - 2018 (17-8)
.640 Giovanna Borgiotti - 2018 (16-9)
.640 Ashley Glickert - 2018 (16-9)
.625 Katherine Puisis - 2017 (15-9)
.625 Karissa Rhoades - 2017 (15-9)
Senior Amanda Carroll, who has teamed with freshman Kirstine Garder all year, became the first player in program history to win 10 or more matches at the No. 1 pair in three consecutive seasons. In fact, before she arrived on campus, nobody had won more than six matches at the top pair in a season. On the flip side, Garder became the first freshman to win 10 or more matches at No. 1. The duo is 10-7 overall.
Puisis now has 48 career victories, which moves her into sole possession of second place in career victories, just behind her partner, Rhoades, who has 52. Meanwhile, junior Giovanna Borgiotti is one victory shy of moving into the top five in career wins. She became the first player in program history with three-straight double-digit win totals to open her collegiate career on Saturday.
Career Wins Leaders
52 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
48 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
42 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
37 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
Due to their 30-win benchmark, Whetstone and Burnam now qualify for the program's career winning percentage leaders - and they aren't looking up at anyone.
Career Winning Percentage Leaders (Minimum 30 Wins)
.698 - Snowy Burnam, 2016-19 (30-13)
.698 - Kayla Whetstone, 2016-19 (30-13)
.615 - Katherine Puisis; 2016-19 (48-30)
.612 - Karissa Rhoades; 2016-19 (52-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox; 2014-17 (46-32)
.561 - Giovanna Borgiotti; 2017-19 (37-29)
.525 - Amanda Carroll; 2016-19 (42-38)
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew has been a mainstay at the No. 5 pair for the Green and Blue this year. The sophomore moved to 9-8 on the season after Saturday's action, which improves her career-high win total.
This summer, the A-SUN announced the additions of Austin Peay, Jacksonville State and Morehead State as affiliate members of the conference for beach volleyball. Those three teams competed as independent programs in the NCAA the past several seasons and will join new A-SUN member North Alabama in bringing the conference to 10 members and a division split. The North Division features Coastal Carolina, Austin Peay, Jacksonville State, Morehead State and North Alabama. The South Division features FGCU, Jacksonville, Mercer, North Florida and Stetson.
In terms of the postseason, the top team from each division will automatically qualify for the A-SUN tournament. They will be joined by four at-large participants with selection and seeding done by the A-SUN office, in conjunction with the same process currently employed by the NCAA.
Thus, the regular season finale against division foes North Florida, Mercer and Jacksonville will play a large role in who gets postseason berths.
RESULTS
FGCU 5, Florida Southern 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Wilson/Montoya 21-16, 21-14
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Trefren/Whiteleather 24-22, 21-14
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. Calhoun/Mathews 21-14, 21-6
4. Borgiotti/Lacour d. Goodrich/Greco 21-14, 21-9
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Jones/Nichols 21-19, 21-9
FGCU 5, Tampa 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Oswald/Rosequist 21-17, 16-21, 15-12
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Houghton/McKiel 22-20, 21-7
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. Rosequist/Thompson 21-17, 21-18
4. Borgiotti/Lacour d. 22-20, 29-31, 15-8
5. Ryan/VanLiew d. Duffy/Haslag 21-10, 23-21
Up Next:
FGCU will now close the regular season with six crucial conference matches over a three-day stretch beginning Thursday in Jacksonville. The Eagles will face North Florida, Mercer and Jacksonville over that period.
FGCU BVB @ Florida Southern; Tampa Preview
The FGCU beach volleyball team (8-7) will conclude the non-conference portion of its schedule on Saturday with tilts against Florida Southern (12 p.m.) and Tampa (2 p.m.) at the Tampa Beach Volleyball Complex.
The Eagles will be looking to avenge a tough 3-2 loss to Tampa on March 9 in St. Petersburg. In that matchup, FGCU lost 15-12 in the third set of the one, three and five pairs. Meanwhile, the Green and Blue are coming off a 5-0 win over Florida Southern earlier this week to end a six-match winning streak for the Mocs.
Storylines:
Senior Karissa Rhoades, who previously became the program's all-time career wins leader, became the first player in program history to reach 50 career wins with a 21-8, 21-8 victory at the No. 2 pair along with her senior partner Katherine Puisis on Tuesday. This weekend, it will be Puisis who will be looking to etch her name further up in the record book as the senior can take sole possession of the second-most wins in program history.
Senior Amanda Carroll became just the fourth player in program history to reach 40 wins on Tuesday, and she will now look to give this year's senior class the top three spots in career wins. To do so, Carroll would need seven more triumphs to give the trio sole possession of the top three spots.
Career Wins Leaders
50 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
46 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
40 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
35 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
Puisis already holds the program's career winning percentage record at 46-30 (.605), while Rhoades isn't far behind.
Career Winning Percentage Leaders (Minimum 30 Wins)
.605 - Katherine Puisis; 2016-19 (46-30)
.602 - Karissa Rhoades; 2016-19 (50-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox; 2014-17 (46-32)
.547 - Giovanna Borgiotti; 2017-19 (35-29)
.513 - Amanda Carroll; 2016-19 (40-38)
At the No. 3 pair, the sophomore duo of Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone can reach 30 career victories should they win twice on Saturday, while also inching closer to the single season wins record of Puisis and Rhoades that was set last year. In fact, they're looking to become the first two-time 16-game winners in program history later this year, and they'll likely take control of the top spot for career winning percentage once they reach 30 career wins.
Single Season Win Leaders
17 Katherine Puisis; 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 Karissa Rhoades; 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 Giovanna Borgiotti; 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 Ashley Glickert; 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 Snowy Burnam; 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 Kayla Whetstone; 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 Elisa Anne Aldrich; 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 Madi Wilcox; 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 Katherine Puisis; 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 Karissa Rhoades; 2017 (15-9 .625)
Burnam and Whetstone are also approaching the record for best single-season winning percentage in program history. The duo is currently 12-3 (.800), but still has some work to do.
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.789 Madi Wilcox; 2016 (15-4)
.789 Elisa Anne Aldrich; 2016 (15-4)
.680 Karissa Rhoades; 2018 (17-8)
.680 Katherine Puisis; 2018 (17-8)
.640 Giovanna Borgiotti; 2018 (16-9)
.640 Ashley Glickert; 2018 (16-9)
.625 Katherine Puisis; 2017 (15-9)
.625 Karissa Rhoades; 2017 (15-9)
.615 Snowy Burnam; 2018 (16-10)
.615 Kayla Whetstone; 2018 (16-10)
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti can become the first player in program history with three-straight double-digit win totals to open her collegiate career on Saturday. Borgiotti continues to grow in the No. 4 pair along with redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour as they ended a 10-match winning streak for Florida Southern's Haley Goodrich and Celia Greco on Tuesday. The duo is now 9-6 this year, which ties them with Puisis and Rhoades for the second-best record on the team.
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew has been a mainstay at the No. 5 pair for the Green and Blue this year. VanLiew has recorded a career-high seven victories and can push herself over .500 on the season (7-8) with a pair of wins on Saturday. She has teamed with freshman Emma Hansen and classmate Alayna Ryan.
Scouting Tampa:
The Spartans (11-9) opened the season by losing four straight matches to ranked teams in 5-0 fashion before bouncing back to win eight of its next nine - including wins over A-SUN members Jacksonville, North Florida, FGCU and North Alabama. Seven of the team's losses have come against ranked teams - No. 3 Florida State, No. 6 Cal Poly, No. 8 FIU, No. 9 South Carolina, No. 16 FAU, No. 18 Tulane and No. 19 Georgia State. They are coming off a 3-2 victory over Saint Leo on Wednesday.
Scouting Florida Southern:
The Mocs (10-9) have won six of their past seven after a loss to FGCU on Tuesday. Their win total doubles last year's, and they are led by the duo of Haley Goodrich and Celia Greco, who are 11-1 at the No. 4 pair. They suffered the lone loss to Borgiotti and Lacour on Tuesday, although both sets were close.
A-SUN Roundup
After Saturday's action, FGCU will close the regular season with six crucial conference matches over a three-day stretch April 11-13 in Jacksonville.
The Eagles will be looking to avenge a tough 3-2 loss to Tampa on March 9 in St. Petersburg. In that matchup, FGCU lost 15-12 in the third set of the one, three and five pairs. Meanwhile, the Green and Blue are coming off a 5-0 win over Florida Southern earlier this week to end a six-match winning streak for the Mocs.
Storylines:
Senior Karissa Rhoades, who previously became the program's all-time career wins leader, became the first player in program history to reach 50 career wins with a 21-8, 21-8 victory at the No. 2 pair along with her senior partner Katherine Puisis on Tuesday. This weekend, it will be Puisis who will be looking to etch her name further up in the record book as the senior can take sole possession of the second-most wins in program history.
Senior Amanda Carroll became just the fourth player in program history to reach 40 wins on Tuesday, and she will now look to give this year's senior class the top three spots in career wins. To do so, Carroll would need seven more triumphs to give the trio sole possession of the top three spots.
Career Wins Leaders
50 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
46 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
40 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
35 - Giovanna Borgiotti, 2017-present
Puisis already holds the program's career winning percentage record at 46-30 (.605), while Rhoades isn't far behind.
Career Winning Percentage Leaders (Minimum 30 Wins)
.605 - Katherine Puisis; 2016-19 (46-30)
.602 - Karissa Rhoades; 2016-19 (50-33)
.590 - Madi Wilcox; 2014-17 (46-32)
.547 - Giovanna Borgiotti; 2017-19 (35-29)
.513 - Amanda Carroll; 2016-19 (40-38)
At the No. 3 pair, the sophomore duo of Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone can reach 30 career victories should they win twice on Saturday, while also inching closer to the single season wins record of Puisis and Rhoades that was set last year. In fact, they're looking to become the first two-time 16-game winners in program history later this year, and they'll likely take control of the top spot for career winning percentage once they reach 30 career wins.
Single Season Win Leaders
17 Katherine Puisis; 2018 (17-8 .680)
17 Karissa Rhoades; 2018 (17-8 .680)
16 Giovanna Borgiotti; 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 Ashley Glickert; 2018 (16-9 .640)
16 Snowy Burnam; 2018 (16-10 .615)
16 Kayla Whetstone; 2018 (16-10 .615)
15 Elisa Anne Aldrich; 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 Madi Wilcox; 2016 (15-4 .789)
15 Katherine Puisis; 2017 (15-9 .625)
15 Karissa Rhoades; 2017 (15-9 .625)
Burnam and Whetstone are also approaching the record for best single-season winning percentage in program history. The duo is currently 12-3 (.800), but still has some work to do.
Single Season Winning Percentage Leaders
.789 Madi Wilcox; 2016 (15-4)
.789 Elisa Anne Aldrich; 2016 (15-4)
.680 Karissa Rhoades; 2018 (17-8)
.680 Katherine Puisis; 2018 (17-8)
.640 Giovanna Borgiotti; 2018 (16-9)
.640 Ashley Glickert; 2018 (16-9)
.625 Katherine Puisis; 2017 (15-9)
.625 Karissa Rhoades; 2017 (15-9)
.615 Snowy Burnam; 2018 (16-10)
.615 Kayla Whetstone; 2018 (16-10)
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti can become the first player in program history with three-straight double-digit win totals to open her collegiate career on Saturday. Borgiotti continues to grow in the No. 4 pair along with redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour as they ended a 10-match winning streak for Florida Southern's Haley Goodrich and Celia Greco on Tuesday. The duo is now 9-6 this year, which ties them with Puisis and Rhoades for the second-best record on the team.
Sophomore Cortney VanLiew has been a mainstay at the No. 5 pair for the Green and Blue this year. VanLiew has recorded a career-high seven victories and can push herself over .500 on the season (7-8) with a pair of wins on Saturday. She has teamed with freshman Emma Hansen and classmate Alayna Ryan.
Scouting Tampa:
The Spartans (11-9) opened the season by losing four straight matches to ranked teams in 5-0 fashion before bouncing back to win eight of its next nine - including wins over A-SUN members Jacksonville, North Florida, FGCU and North Alabama. Seven of the team's losses have come against ranked teams - No. 3 Florida State, No. 6 Cal Poly, No. 8 FIU, No. 9 South Carolina, No. 16 FAU, No. 18 Tulane and No. 19 Georgia State. They are coming off a 3-2 victory over Saint Leo on Wednesday.
Scouting Florida Southern:
The Mocs (10-9) have won six of their past seven after a loss to FGCU on Tuesday. Their win total doubles last year's, and they are led by the duo of Haley Goodrich and Celia Greco, who are 11-1 at the No. 4 pair. They suffered the lone loss to Borgiotti and Lacour on Tuesday, although both sets were close.
A-SUN Roundup
After Saturday's action, FGCU will close the regular season with six crucial conference matches over a three-day stretch April 11-13 in Jacksonville.
FGCU Beach VB vs Florida Southern Preview
The FGCU beach volleyball team (7-7, 0-2 A-SUN) will host Florida Southern (10-8) in its regular season home finale at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at The Recreation Outdoor Complex (ROC) on campus. Admission is free.
Last Time Out:
FGCU is coming off a pair of losses to No. 10 Stetson on Wednesday that marked the beginning of A-SUN play. Both matches were close, though, with the finale featuring four pairs that went three sets. The duos of Whetstone/Burnam and Borgiotti/Lacour each picked up victories over ranked teams with one coming in each match.
Senior Soundoff:
Prior to the match, the program will honor its three seniors - Katherine Puisis, Karissa Rhoades and Amanda Carroll. The trio comprises the winningest senior class in program history, having notched 48 team victories in three-plus seasons and leading the Eagles to double-digit victories in each year so far. Furthermore, they have a chance to finish 1-2-3 in career wins by the time the season is over.
Rhoades, who is already FGCU's all-time career wins leader, can become the first player in program history to reach 50 career victories on Tuesday. Her partner, Puisis, sits at 45 and is one shy of moving into a tie for second-place. The senior duo is 8-6 this year at the No. 2 pair.
Meanwhile, Carroll now has 39 career victories, which moves her past Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for sole possession of fourth-place on the program's career wins list. Carroll has 30 of her wins at the No. 1 pair, which is the most in program history.
Puisis, Rhoades and Carroll have the potential to give this year's team the top three players in career wins by season's end. Rhoades is one of just three players, along with Puisis and Madi Wilcox, to have 20 or more career wins at multiple pairs. She is the program's all-time leader in wins at No. 2 (23) and No. 3 (26), while Wilcox leads the way at No. 4 (25) and No. 5 (20).
Top 5 In Career Wins
49 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
45 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
39 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
Outside of the senior trio, FGCU's sophomore pair of Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone have jumped out to a team-best 11-3 start this year. They produced one of the Green and Blue's two victories against No. 10 Stetson last week, which gives them three over ranked teams in their career together.
The other win against the Hatters came from junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour at the No. 4 pair. The duo is tied with Puisis and Rhoades for the second-best record on the team at 8-6. For Borgiotti, she now has two career wins over ranked teams, while Lacour has three total in her NCAA career - two of which came during her time at FAU.
Scouting Florida Southern:
The Mocs (10-8) will enter Tuesday's tilt having won six straight matches following their wins over Lincoln Memorial and Eckerd last week. Their win total doubles last year's total, and they are led by the duo of Haley Goodrich and Celia Greco, who are undefeated (11-0) at the No. 4 pair. Although they're 1-5 at No. 3, they'll carry a 10-match winning streak into Tuesday's matchup.
Series History:
This will be the second all-time match played at The ROC after the Green and Blue knocked off Tampa 4-1 on March 16 of last season.
Last Time Out:
FGCU is coming off a pair of losses to No. 10 Stetson on Wednesday that marked the beginning of A-SUN play. Both matches were close, though, with the finale featuring four pairs that went three sets. The duos of Whetstone/Burnam and Borgiotti/Lacour each picked up victories over ranked teams with one coming in each match.
Senior Soundoff:
Prior to the match, the program will honor its three seniors - Katherine Puisis, Karissa Rhoades and Amanda Carroll. The trio comprises the winningest senior class in program history, having notched 48 team victories in three-plus seasons and leading the Eagles to double-digit victories in each year so far. Furthermore, they have a chance to finish 1-2-3 in career wins by the time the season is over.
Rhoades, who is already FGCU's all-time career wins leader, can become the first player in program history to reach 50 career victories on Tuesday. Her partner, Puisis, sits at 45 and is one shy of moving into a tie for second-place. The senior duo is 8-6 this year at the No. 2 pair.
Meanwhile, Carroll now has 39 career victories, which moves her past Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for sole possession of fourth-place on the program's career wins list. Carroll has 30 of her wins at the No. 1 pair, which is the most in program history.
Puisis, Rhoades and Carroll have the potential to give this year's team the top three players in career wins by season's end. Rhoades is one of just three players, along with Puisis and Madi Wilcox, to have 20 or more career wins at multiple pairs. She is the program's all-time leader in wins at No. 2 (23) and No. 3 (26), while Wilcox leads the way at No. 4 (25) and No. 5 (20).
Top 5 In Career Wins
49 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
45 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
39 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
Outside of the senior trio, FGCU's sophomore pair of Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone have jumped out to a team-best 11-3 start this year. They produced one of the Green and Blue's two victories against No. 10 Stetson last week, which gives them three over ranked teams in their career together.
The other win against the Hatters came from junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour at the No. 4 pair. The duo is tied with Puisis and Rhoades for the second-best record on the team at 8-6. For Borgiotti, she now has two career wins over ranked teams, while Lacour has three total in her NCAA career - two of which came during her time at FAU.
Scouting Florida Southern:
The Mocs (10-8) will enter Tuesday's tilt having won six straight matches following their wins over Lincoln Memorial and Eckerd last week. Their win total doubles last year's total, and they are led by the duo of Haley Goodrich and Celia Greco, who are undefeated (11-0) at the No. 4 pair. Although they're 1-5 at No. 3, they'll carry a 10-match winning streak into Tuesday's matchup.
Series History:
This will be the second all-time match played at The ROC after the Green and Blue knocked off Tampa 4-1 on March 16 of last season.
FGCU BVB vs Stetson Recap
The FGCU beach volleyball team (7-7, 0-2 A-SUN) was swept by No. 10 Stetson (16-4, 2-0 A-SUN) 4-1, 4-1 on Wednesday at Estero Community Park to open conference play, but the Eagles nearly produced a victory in the second match.
"One of the important things for us in our growth is being in a position to win," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "I thought every one of our pairs put themselves in position to win. Now we didn't get every one of those sets or every one of those matches, but we put ourselves in position to be competitive. The second match, specifically, was a step up for us in terms of overall performance from one through five. I was really happy with that. I think it's a step in the right direction."
As described in Botsford's post-game thoughts, the Eagles nearly ended Stetson's 21-match A-SUN winning streak in the second match. Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour earned a measure of revenge for a three-set defeat in the opener by handing Stetson's Samantha Harris and Julie Varga a 21-16, 21-23, 15-13 defeat in the finale to give FGCU a 1-0 lead.
Sophomores Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan then forced a third set at No. 5 with a thrilling 27-25 second-set victory but fell 21-15 in the decider as Stetson evened things up. In the third pair, sophomores Kayla Whetstone and Snowy Burnam fell in two sets as the Hatters took a 2-1 lead, but it was far from over.
Following that, both teams went back-and-forth in the first and second pairs. Senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder won the first set 21-19 at No. 1, but dropped the second 21-19. Seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis dropped a 25-23 opening set, but captured a 21-19 second set to force both courts to a third set.
Stetson, however, won 15-6 and 15-8 on the first and second courts, respectively, to seal the match and push their A=SUN winning streak to 22.
Puisis and Rhoades, despite the loss, did well to take a set from Stetson's No. 2 pair of Darby Dunn and Sammee Thomas. The reigning A-SUN pair of the year had won 22 of their past 23 sets in conference play since the start of last season.
Borgiotti and Lacour, meanwhile, produced their first win together over a ranked opponent, although it was the second of Borgiotti's career in the Green and Blue, while it was the third of Lacour's NCAA career after she earned two wins as a freshman at FAU in 2017. The duo is now 8-6 in their first year together.
"She's great," Borgiotti said of Lacour, who transferred in from FAU this year. "We're friends off the court, too, which makes it really easy for us to play together. Our pair, we utilize our strengths really well with me blocking and her playing defense."
For Burnam and Whetstone, the duo is now 11-3 overall this year after tallying their third career win over a ranked team with a 21-11, 19-21, 19-17 win in the opener, which ties them for second-most in program history behind Madi Wilcox, who had six.
"One of the important things for us in our growth is being in a position to win," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "I thought every one of our pairs put themselves in position to win. Now we didn't get every one of those sets or every one of those matches, but we put ourselves in position to be competitive. The second match, specifically, was a step up for us in terms of overall performance from one through five. I was really happy with that. I think it's a step in the right direction."
As described in Botsford's post-game thoughts, the Eagles nearly ended Stetson's 21-match A-SUN winning streak in the second match. Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour earned a measure of revenge for a three-set defeat in the opener by handing Stetson's Samantha Harris and Julie Varga a 21-16, 21-23, 15-13 defeat in the finale to give FGCU a 1-0 lead.
Sophomores Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan then forced a third set at No. 5 with a thrilling 27-25 second-set victory but fell 21-15 in the decider as Stetson evened things up. In the third pair, sophomores Kayla Whetstone and Snowy Burnam fell in two sets as the Hatters took a 2-1 lead, but it was far from over.
Following that, both teams went back-and-forth in the first and second pairs. Senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder won the first set 21-19 at No. 1, but dropped the second 21-19. Seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis dropped a 25-23 opening set, but captured a 21-19 second set to force both courts to a third set.
Stetson, however, won 15-6 and 15-8 on the first and second courts, respectively, to seal the match and push their A=SUN winning streak to 22.
Puisis and Rhoades, despite the loss, did well to take a set from Stetson's No. 2 pair of Darby Dunn and Sammee Thomas. The reigning A-SUN pair of the year had won 22 of their past 23 sets in conference play since the start of last season.
Borgiotti and Lacour, meanwhile, produced their first win together over a ranked opponent, although it was the second of Borgiotti's career in the Green and Blue, while it was the third of Lacour's NCAA career after she earned two wins as a freshman at FAU in 2017. The duo is now 8-6 in their first year together.
"She's great," Borgiotti said of Lacour, who transferred in from FAU this year. "We're friends off the court, too, which makes it really easy for us to play together. Our pair, we utilize our strengths really well with me blocking and her playing defense."
For Burnam and Whetstone, the duo is now 11-3 overall this year after tallying their third career win over a ranked team with a 21-11, 19-21, 19-17 win in the opener, which ties them for second-most in program history behind Madi Wilcox, who had six.
Full Results
Stetson 4, FGCU 1
1. Perales/Helland-Hansen (Stetson) d. Carroll/Garder 21-14, 21-12
2. Dunn/Thomas (Stetson) d. Puisis/Rhoades 21-13, 21-14
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Costa/Noble 21-11, 19-21, 19-17
4. Harris/Varga (Stetson) d. Borgiotti/Lacour 13-21, 21-19, 15-11
5. Birker/Ingram (Stetson) d. VanLiew/Hansen 21-13, 21-17
Stetson 4, FGCU 1
1. Helland-Hansen/Perales (Stetson) d. Carroll/Garder 19-21, 21-19, 15-6
2. Dunn/Thomas (Stetson) d. Rhoades/Puisis 25-23, 19-21, 15-8
3. Costa/Noble (Stetson) d. Whetstone/Burnam 21-12, 21-16
4. Borgiotti/Lacour (FGCU) d. Harris/Kuck 21-16, 21-23, 15-13
5. Birker/Ingram (Stetson) d. VanLiew/Ryan 21-18, 25-27, 21-15
Next Up
The Green and Blue will be back in action on Tuesday against Florida Southern at 4 p.m. The match will be held on FGCU's campus at the ROC, and the program will honor Carroll (Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia HS), Rhoades and Puisis as part of senior day.
FGCU BVB: Dig and Dive Beach Bash Day Two Recap
The FGCU beach volleyball team (7-5) split a pair of matches against College of Charleston (4-1) and Tusculum College (5-0) to conclude the Dig and Dive Beach Bash on Sunday.
The Eagles will now open A-SUN play with a doubleheader against No. 10 Stetson (14-4) on Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m. at Estero Community Park.
"After executing so well yesterday at the end of matches, our play wasn't as consistent today in our first match," FGCU assistant coach Chris Sweat said. "We started out well but couldn't find the consistency we needed in order to beat a team with the level of talent as College of Charleston. The girls rebounded well in our second match, which I was pleased to see."
The highlight of the day was the continued strong play of No. 3 pair in sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone, who won two more matches and improved to 10-2 on the season. Not only did they hold their opponents to single digits in three of the four sets, but they tied the record for the best 12-game start to the season since Madi Wilcox and Olivia Mesner did the same en route to a 12-2 start in 2015.
Burnam and Whetstone produced the lone victory for the Eagles against undefeated College of Charleston (12-0) by a 21-9, 21-15 result. And they did so against an Amani Dunston-Mandy Napierala tandem that entered 7-1 on the season.
In the finale, though, the Green and Blue won all 10 sets, which included seven where they held Tusculum (4-9) to single-digits. The most resounding victory came from the No. 5 pair of freshman Emma Hansen and sophomore Cortney VanLiew, who allowed just eight total points.
Redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour and junior Giovanna Borgiotti then allowed just 11 total points at the No. 4 pair to put FGCU up 2-0 through the first round.
After Whetstone and Burnam won 21-9, 21-6 at No. 3 to clinch the win, FGCU's top two pairs finished off the sweep.
Seniors Katherine Puisis and Karissa Rhoades improved to 8-4 on the season from the No. 2 pair, while senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder are now 7-5 at No. 1, tying Borgiotti and Lacour for third-best on the team.
Carroll, meanwhile, now has 39 career victories, which moves her past Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for solo possession of fourth-place on the program's career wins list.
Top 5 In Career Wins
49 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
45 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
39 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
The Green and Blue are now 1-1 all-time against College of Charleston and 1-0 against Tusculum College.
RESULTS
College of Charleston 4, FGCU 1
1. Freed/Madison (CoC) d. Garder/Carroll 21-16, 21-12
2. Rhodes/Rachel (CoC) d. Puisis/Rhoades 21-15, 19-21, 15-12
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Dunston/Napierala 21-9, 21-15
4. Manusky/Beckman (CoC) d. Lacour/Borgiotti 21-10, 21-11
5. Foley/Ehlers (CoC) d. Hansen/VanLiew 21-14, 21-12
FGCU 5, Tusculum 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Davis/Mazur 21-19, 21-11
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Hall/Gray 21-15, 21-8
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. Morgan/Vujosevic 21-9, 21-6
4. Lacour/Borgiotti d. Collins/Clingan 21-4, 21-7
5. Hansen/VanLiew d. Weems/Ramsey 21-5, 21-3
Next Up:
FGCU will return home to open A-SUN play with a pair of matches against No. 10 Stetson on Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m.
The Eagles will now open A-SUN play with a doubleheader against No. 10 Stetson (14-4) on Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m. at Estero Community Park.
"After executing so well yesterday at the end of matches, our play wasn't as consistent today in our first match," FGCU assistant coach Chris Sweat said. "We started out well but couldn't find the consistency we needed in order to beat a team with the level of talent as College of Charleston. The girls rebounded well in our second match, which I was pleased to see."
The highlight of the day was the continued strong play of No. 3 pair in sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone, who won two more matches and improved to 10-2 on the season. Not only did they hold their opponents to single digits in three of the four sets, but they tied the record for the best 12-game start to the season since Madi Wilcox and Olivia Mesner did the same en route to a 12-2 start in 2015.
Burnam and Whetstone produced the lone victory for the Eagles against undefeated College of Charleston (12-0) by a 21-9, 21-15 result. And they did so against an Amani Dunston-Mandy Napierala tandem that entered 7-1 on the season.
In the finale, though, the Green and Blue won all 10 sets, which included seven where they held Tusculum (4-9) to single-digits. The most resounding victory came from the No. 5 pair of freshman Emma Hansen and sophomore Cortney VanLiew, who allowed just eight total points.
Redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour and junior Giovanna Borgiotti then allowed just 11 total points at the No. 4 pair to put FGCU up 2-0 through the first round.
After Whetstone and Burnam won 21-9, 21-6 at No. 3 to clinch the win, FGCU's top two pairs finished off the sweep.
Seniors Katherine Puisis and Karissa Rhoades improved to 8-4 on the season from the No. 2 pair, while senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder are now 7-5 at No. 1, tying Borgiotti and Lacour for third-best on the team.
Carroll, meanwhile, now has 39 career victories, which moves her past Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for solo possession of fourth-place on the program's career wins list.
Top 5 In Career Wins
49 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
45 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
39 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
The Green and Blue are now 1-1 all-time against College of Charleston and 1-0 against Tusculum College.
RESULTS
College of Charleston 4, FGCU 1
1. Freed/Madison (CoC) d. Garder/Carroll 21-16, 21-12
2. Rhodes/Rachel (CoC) d. Puisis/Rhoades 21-15, 19-21, 15-12
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Dunston/Napierala 21-9, 21-15
4. Manusky/Beckman (CoC) d. Lacour/Borgiotti 21-10, 21-11
5. Foley/Ehlers (CoC) d. Hansen/VanLiew 21-14, 21-12
FGCU 5, Tusculum 0
1. Carroll/Garder d. Davis/Mazur 21-19, 21-11
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Hall/Gray 21-15, 21-8
3. Whetstone/Burnam d. Morgan/Vujosevic 21-9, 21-6
4. Lacour/Borgiotti d. Collins/Clingan 21-4, 21-7
5. Hansen/VanLiew d. Weems/Ramsey 21-5, 21-3
Next Up:
FGCU will return home to open A-SUN play with a pair of matches against No. 10 Stetson on Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m.
FGCU BVB: Dig and Dive Beach Bash Day One Recap
The FGCU beach volleyball team improved to 6-4 with a pair of tough victories against Coastal Carolina (10-7) (4-1) and UNC Wilmington (5-6) (5-0) to open the Dig and Dive Beach Bash on Saturday.
The Green and Blue, who had 12 sets decided by three or fewer points on Saturday, will wrap up their slate in Wilmington with matches against College of Charleston (10-0) (8:30 a.m.) and DII Tusculum College (4-7) (12:30 p.m.) on Sunday.
"I was very impressed with the way the girls came out and executed our game plan today," FGCU assistant coach Chris Sweat said. "It was definitely a step in the right direction with some things we have been working a lot on in practice. Our end of game execution was much better during our second match. We played a lot of really tight sets against a really competitive team, and the girls stepped up in a big way."
With two more wins on Saturday, senior Karissa Rhoades broke the program's all-time career wins record with her 47th and 48th. She surpassed Madi Wilcox (46-32, .590) for the record and is now 48-30 (.615) in her career. Her partner, senior Katherine Puisis, also now has 44 and is two shy of moving into a tie with Wilcox for second-place on the career list. The duo is 7-3 this year.
Additionally, senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder went 2-0 on the day. In doing so, Carroll won her 37th and 38th career matches and moved into a tie with Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for fourth-place on the career wins list.
Top 5 In Career Wins
48 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
44 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
38 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
Meanwhile, the No. 3 tandem of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone improved to a team-best 8-2 this year. The duo is now 24-12 in their one-plus year career together.
The Eagles have won four consecutive matches in pairs 1-3, while junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour pushed their streak to three at the fourth pair.
Despite losing a heartbreaking 16-14 third set in Saturday's opening match against Coastal Carolina, sophomore Cortney VanLiew and freshman Emma Hansen bounced back with a straight-set win in the finale to improve their record to 4-1 this season.
The Green and Blue are 1-1 all-time against UNC Wilmington and 6-0 against Coastal Carolina.
RESULTS
FGCU 4, Coastal Carolina 1
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Alvis/Hardeman 21-16, 22-20
2. Rhoades/Puisis (FGCU) d. Campbell/Boyer 21-16, 20-22, 15-10
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Ladewig/Djuric 21-19, 21-14
4. Borgiotti/Lacour (FGCU) d. Gauthier/Federico 21-11, 10-21, 15-10
5. Eske/Nemeth (Coastal Carolina) d. VanLiew/Hansen 19-21, 21-13, 16-14
FGCU 5, UNC Wilmington 0
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Kline/Hamilton 19-21, 21-18, 15-10
2. Rhoades/Puisis (FGCU) d. McCullough/Thomas 21-19, 21-11
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Montgomery/Rooney 21-19, 21-17
4. Borgiotti/Lacour (FGCU) d. Hunt/Lewandowski 21-19, 21-19
5. VanLiew/Hansen (FGCU) d. Augustine/Evans 21-11, 21-18
Notes
UNC Wilmington (5-6) had won three straight before its loss to FGCU. Coastal Carolina fell to 10-6 with their loss to the Eagles.
On Sunday, the Green and Blue will face an undefeated College of Charleston team (10-0), who swept both Carson-Newman and Coastal Carolina on Saturday.
NEXT UP
After Sunday's action, the Eagles will return home to open ASUN play with a pair of matches against No. 10 Stetson on Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m.
The Green and Blue, who had 12 sets decided by three or fewer points on Saturday, will wrap up their slate in Wilmington with matches against College of Charleston (10-0) (8:30 a.m.) and DII Tusculum College (4-7) (12:30 p.m.) on Sunday.
"I was very impressed with the way the girls came out and executed our game plan today," FGCU assistant coach Chris Sweat said. "It was definitely a step in the right direction with some things we have been working a lot on in practice. Our end of game execution was much better during our second match. We played a lot of really tight sets against a really competitive team, and the girls stepped up in a big way."
With two more wins on Saturday, senior Karissa Rhoades broke the program's all-time career wins record with her 47th and 48th. She surpassed Madi Wilcox (46-32, .590) for the record and is now 48-30 (.615) in her career. Her partner, senior Katherine Puisis, also now has 44 and is two shy of moving into a tie with Wilcox for second-place on the career list. The duo is 7-3 this year.
Additionally, senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder went 2-0 on the day. In doing so, Carroll won her 37th and 38th career matches and moved into a tie with Mackenzie Allen (2015-18) and Ashley Glickert (2015-18) for fourth-place on the career wins list.
Top 5 In Career Wins
48 - Karissa Rhoades, 2016-present
46 - Madi Wilcox, 2014-17
44 - Katherine Puisis, 2016-present
38 - Mackenzie Allen, 2015-18
38 - Ashley Glickert, 2015-18
38 - Amanda Carroll, 2016-present
Meanwhile, the No. 3 tandem of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone improved to a team-best 8-2 this year. The duo is now 24-12 in their one-plus year career together.
The Eagles have won four consecutive matches in pairs 1-3, while junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour pushed their streak to three at the fourth pair.
Despite losing a heartbreaking 16-14 third set in Saturday's opening match against Coastal Carolina, sophomore Cortney VanLiew and freshman Emma Hansen bounced back with a straight-set win in the finale to improve their record to 4-1 this season.
The Green and Blue are 1-1 all-time against UNC Wilmington and 6-0 against Coastal Carolina.
RESULTS
FGCU 4, Coastal Carolina 1
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Alvis/Hardeman 21-16, 22-20
2. Rhoades/Puisis (FGCU) d. Campbell/Boyer 21-16, 20-22, 15-10
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Ladewig/Djuric 21-19, 21-14
4. Borgiotti/Lacour (FGCU) d. Gauthier/Federico 21-11, 10-21, 15-10
5. Eske/Nemeth (Coastal Carolina) d. VanLiew/Hansen 19-21, 21-13, 16-14
FGCU 5, UNC Wilmington 0
1. Carroll/Garder (FGCU) d. Kline/Hamilton 19-21, 21-18, 15-10
2. Rhoades/Puisis (FGCU) d. McCullough/Thomas 21-19, 21-11
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Montgomery/Rooney 21-19, 21-17
4. Borgiotti/Lacour (FGCU) d. Hunt/Lewandowski 21-19, 21-19
5. VanLiew/Hansen (FGCU) d. Augustine/Evans 21-11, 21-18
Notes
UNC Wilmington (5-6) had won three straight before its loss to FGCU. Coastal Carolina fell to 10-6 with their loss to the Eagles.
On Sunday, the Green and Blue will face an undefeated College of Charleston team (10-0), who swept both Carson-Newman and Coastal Carolina on Saturday.
NEXT UP
After Sunday's action, the Eagles will return home to open ASUN play with a pair of matches against No. 10 Stetson on Wednesday beginning at 2 p.m.
FGCU BVB vs Eckerd Recap
The FGCU beach volleyball team (4-4) moved back to .500 with a pair of victories (4-1, 5-0) over Eckerd College (1-14) in the home opener at Estero Community Park on Wednesday.
"It was nice," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "I wish the weather would have cooperated a little more. We started to get some people out here, and I think they got chased out by the rain. It's always nice to play close to home - not having to travel, sleeping in your own bed - it always plays a role."
Senior Karissa Rhoades picked up two more wins alongside fellow senior Katherine Puisis to tie the program's all-time wins record with 46. Puisis also has 42 wins as the duo is on pace to finish top two in career victories and winning percentage.
"Karissa is such a great talent and has been so consistent since the start of her beach career here at FGCU," Botsford said. "It's exciting to see her reach this benchmark. She has such a great feel for the game and understands how to manage match-ups to put herself and her teammates in really good situations. Karissa is among the most well-rounded players I have coached and those skills have served her extremely well in that march to the wins record."
Not only did the duo win all four sets on Wednesday, but Rhoades and Puisis did so in dominating fashion by holding Eckerd to single digits in three of the four, including just three in the second set of the finale.
Three other pairs also swept the day in just four sets apiece - senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder at No. 1, sophomores Kayla Whetstone and Snowy Burnam at No. 3 and sophomore Cortney VanLiew and freshman Emma Hansen at No. 5.
Whetstone and Burnam improved to a team-best 6-2 this year and both now have 22 career victories, which ties them for 9th-most in program history.
Carroll pushed her career win total to 36 as she sits just outside the top five. Her senior-freshman pairing with Garder has now netted four victories in eight matches this year.
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour bounced back from a loss in today's first match to produce a 21-17, 21-17 victory in the finale and improve to 4-4 on the season.
Hansen improved to 3-0 on the season while teaming with VanLiew.
Up Next:
The Eagles will now head to UNCW's Dig and Dive Beach Bash in Wilmington, N.C. on Saturday and Sunday where they will face Coastal Carolina, UNC Wilmington, College of Charleston and Tusculum College.
"I think we're getting an awful lot of really good performances over the past couple weeks, and that includes some of the matches we've lost, but just in terms of the quality of play, I feel good about it," Botsford said. "But everyone 1-5 has had moments of inconsistency, which is what we're most concerned about. We have to play more effectively for longer periods of time and that's going to be a challenge heading into the weekend. If we can do that, I think our upside is really high."
Career Wins
46 - Karissa Rhoades (2016-present, 46-30, .605)
46 - Madi Wilcox (2014-17, 46-32)
42 - Katherine Puisis (2016-present, 42-27, .609)
38 - Mackenzie Allen (2015-18, 38-44, .463)
38 - Ashley Glickert (2015-18, 38-45, .458)
"It was nice," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "I wish the weather would have cooperated a little more. We started to get some people out here, and I think they got chased out by the rain. It's always nice to play close to home - not having to travel, sleeping in your own bed - it always plays a role."
Senior Karissa Rhoades picked up two more wins alongside fellow senior Katherine Puisis to tie the program's all-time wins record with 46. Puisis also has 42 wins as the duo is on pace to finish top two in career victories and winning percentage.
"Karissa is such a great talent and has been so consistent since the start of her beach career here at FGCU," Botsford said. "It's exciting to see her reach this benchmark. She has such a great feel for the game and understands how to manage match-ups to put herself and her teammates in really good situations. Karissa is among the most well-rounded players I have coached and those skills have served her extremely well in that march to the wins record."
Not only did the duo win all four sets on Wednesday, but Rhoades and Puisis did so in dominating fashion by holding Eckerd to single digits in three of the four, including just three in the second set of the finale.
Three other pairs also swept the day in just four sets apiece - senior Amanda Carroll and freshman Kirstine Garder at No. 1, sophomores Kayla Whetstone and Snowy Burnam at No. 3 and sophomore Cortney VanLiew and freshman Emma Hansen at No. 5.
Whetstone and Burnam improved to a team-best 6-2 this year and both now have 22 career victories, which ties them for 9th-most in program history.
Carroll pushed her career win total to 36 as she sits just outside the top five. Her senior-freshman pairing with Garder has now netted four victories in eight matches this year.
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour bounced back from a loss in today's first match to produce a 21-17, 21-17 victory in the finale and improve to 4-4 on the season.
Hansen improved to 3-0 on the season while teaming with VanLiew.
Up Next:
The Eagles will now head to UNCW's Dig and Dive Beach Bash in Wilmington, N.C. on Saturday and Sunday where they will face Coastal Carolina, UNC Wilmington, College of Charleston and Tusculum College.
"I think we're getting an awful lot of really good performances over the past couple weeks, and that includes some of the matches we've lost, but just in terms of the quality of play, I feel good about it," Botsford said. "But everyone 1-5 has had moments of inconsistency, which is what we're most concerned about. We have to play more effectively for longer periods of time and that's going to be a challenge heading into the weekend. If we can do that, I think our upside is really high."
Career Wins
46 - Karissa Rhoades (2016-present, 46-30, .605)
46 - Madi Wilcox (2014-17, 46-32)
42 - Katherine Puisis (2016-present, 42-27, .609)
38 - Mackenzie Allen (2015-18, 38-44, .463)
38 - Ashley Glickert (2015-18, 38-45, .458)
FGCU BVB: Day of the Duals Recap
The No. 3 duo of sophomores Kayla Whetstone and Snowy Burnam produced a win over No. 10 South Carolina Tuesday at the GSU Sand Complex, but the FGCU beach volleyball team (2-4) fell in a pair of matches to nationally-ranked opponents, No. 10 South Carolina (4-1) and No. 18 Georgia State (5-0).
"Today was tough," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We played two high-caliber teams and found ourselves playing reactive most of the day. While I thought our effort was great against South Carolina, we continue to struggle with execution in late-game situations. Nevertheless, today was extremely valuable as we know precisely the areas we need to focus more on in our training."
Whetstone and Burnam dropped the opening set, but fought back to pick up a pair of thrilling set wins, 24-22 and 15-13, to capture the opener. Despite the ensuing loss to No. 18 Georgia State, they're a team-best 4-2 this year.
"Snowy and Kayla performed at a very high level all day," Botsford said. "Their chemistry on the court is always evident, and they continue to complement one another out there. Their ball control and defense in the early part of this season has been so consistent, which translates into always being competitive."
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour fell 15-12 in the third set to South Carolina in FGCU's only other three-set match aside from Whetstone and Burnam.
No. 10 South Carolina 4, FGCU 1
1. Bates/Williams (SC) d. Carroll/Garder 21-15, 21-18
2. Dimke/Smith (SC) d. Rhoades/Puisis 21-11, 21-19
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Harrison/Schnieder 18-21, 24-22, 15-13
4. Vastine/Edelman (SC) d. Borgiotti/Lacour 17-21, 24-22, 15-12
5. Skaff/Ballard (SC) d. Ryan/VanLiew 21-16, 21-17
No. 18 Georgia State 5, FGCU 0
1. Johnson/Hawes d. Carroll/Garder 21-16, 21-16
2. Stasevich/Delmonte d. Rhoades/Puisis 21-15, 21-17
3. Weiner/Novack d. Burnam/Whetstone 18-21, 21-17, 15-5
4. Gordon/Tresham d. Borgiotti/Lacour 21-15, 21-13
5. McGinn/Dorn d. Ryan/VanLiew 21-14, 21-12
Notes
South Carolina also knocked off No. 2 ranked and two-time national champion USC on Tuesday. Georgia State is now 17-2 at home over the past three seasons.
FGCU is 1-3 all-time against South Carolina, with the win coming April 9, 2016 at the Fiesta on the Siesta. Meanwhile, the Eagles are now 0-2 against Georgia State.
Next Up
The Green and Blue will open its home slate with a doubleheader against Eckerd College on Wednesday, March 20 at 2 p.m.
"Today was tough," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We played two high-caliber teams and found ourselves playing reactive most of the day. While I thought our effort was great against South Carolina, we continue to struggle with execution in late-game situations. Nevertheless, today was extremely valuable as we know precisely the areas we need to focus more on in our training."
Whetstone and Burnam dropped the opening set, but fought back to pick up a pair of thrilling set wins, 24-22 and 15-13, to capture the opener. Despite the ensuing loss to No. 18 Georgia State, they're a team-best 4-2 this year.
"Snowy and Kayla performed at a very high level all day," Botsford said. "Their chemistry on the court is always evident, and they continue to complement one another out there. Their ball control and defense in the early part of this season has been so consistent, which translates into always being competitive."
Junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour fell 15-12 in the third set to South Carolina in FGCU's only other three-set match aside from Whetstone and Burnam.
No. 10 South Carolina 4, FGCU 1
1. Bates/Williams (SC) d. Carroll/Garder 21-15, 21-18
2. Dimke/Smith (SC) d. Rhoades/Puisis 21-11, 21-19
3. Whetstone/Burnam (FGCU) d. Harrison/Schnieder 18-21, 24-22, 15-13
4. Vastine/Edelman (SC) d. Borgiotti/Lacour 17-21, 24-22, 15-12
5. Skaff/Ballard (SC) d. Ryan/VanLiew 21-16, 21-17
No. 18 Georgia State 5, FGCU 0
1. Johnson/Hawes d. Carroll/Garder 21-16, 21-16
2. Stasevich/Delmonte d. Rhoades/Puisis 21-15, 21-17
3. Weiner/Novack d. Burnam/Whetstone 18-21, 21-17, 15-5
4. Gordon/Tresham d. Borgiotti/Lacour 21-15, 21-13
5. McGinn/Dorn d. Ryan/VanLiew 21-14, 21-12
Notes
South Carolina also knocked off No. 2 ranked and two-time national champion USC on Tuesday. Georgia State is now 17-2 at home over the past three seasons.
FGCU is 1-3 all-time against South Carolina, with the win coming April 9, 2016 at the Fiesta on the Siesta. Meanwhile, the Eagles are now 0-2 against Georgia State.
Next Up
The Green and Blue will open its home slate with a doubleheader against Eckerd College on Wednesday, March 20 at 2 p.m.
FGCU BVB: Day of the Duals Preview
Senior Karissa Rhoades will look to inch closer to history as the FGCU beach volleyball team (2-2) travels to the Peach State to battle No. 18 Georgia State (8-4) and No. 10 South Carolina (5-5) on Tuesday. The matches will be part of the Day of Duals hosted by Georgia State.
Last Time Out:
As a team, the Eagles opened the season by splitting four games in the Battle on the Bay hosted by Eckerd College in St. Petersburg over the weekend. In addition to the No. 2 pair of Rhoades and Puisis, two other pairs also went 3-1 - sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone at No. 3 and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour and junior Giovanna Borgiotti at No. 4.
Rhoades its at 44 career victories, which is just two shy of matching the current record held by Madi Wilcox (2014-17). Her partner, senior Katherine Puisis, currently sits in third place with 40 as the duo is on pace to easily finish the season at 1-2 in the record book. The pair also holds the top two spots in career winning percentage.
Full Schedule
10 a.m. - No. 2 Southern Cal vs. No. 10 South Carolina
12:30 p.m. - No. 18 Georgia State vs. No. 2 Southern Cal
3 p.m. FGCU vs. No. 10 South Carolina
5 p.m. No. 18 Georgia State vs. FGCU
*Start times are not fixed. Each dual will begin 30 minutes after the prior round is complete to ensure adequate warm up time and a break for the officials.
Opponent Capsules
South Carolina will enter the event with a .500 record but all five of their losses are to ranked teams - No. 3 Florida State (5-0 and 4-1), No. 6 Cal Poly (4-1), No. 7 LSU (3-2), No. 18 FAU (4-1). They also knocked off LSU 3-2 on March 2. The Gamecocks have won two in a row.
Georgia State (8-4) has won four straight. They will also battle second-ranked and two-time national champion USC (10-1) at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Panthers went 6-0 at the GSU Beach complex last year and own a 16-1 home record over the past three seasons.
Series History:
FGCU is 1-2 all-time against South Carolina, with the lone win coming April 9, 2016 at the Fiesta on the Siesta. Meanwhile, the Eagles are 0-1 against Georgia State.
Last Time Out:
As a team, the Eagles opened the season by splitting four games in the Battle on the Bay hosted by Eckerd College in St. Petersburg over the weekend. In addition to the No. 2 pair of Rhoades and Puisis, two other pairs also went 3-1 - sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone at No. 3 and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour and junior Giovanna Borgiotti at No. 4.
Rhoades its at 44 career victories, which is just two shy of matching the current record held by Madi Wilcox (2014-17). Her partner, senior Katherine Puisis, currently sits in third place with 40 as the duo is on pace to easily finish the season at 1-2 in the record book. The pair also holds the top two spots in career winning percentage.
Full Schedule
10 a.m. - No. 2 Southern Cal vs. No. 10 South Carolina
12:30 p.m. - No. 18 Georgia State vs. No. 2 Southern Cal
3 p.m. FGCU vs. No. 10 South Carolina
5 p.m. No. 18 Georgia State vs. FGCU
*Start times are not fixed. Each dual will begin 30 minutes after the prior round is complete to ensure adequate warm up time and a break for the officials.
Opponent Capsules
South Carolina will enter the event with a .500 record but all five of their losses are to ranked teams - No. 3 Florida State (5-0 and 4-1), No. 6 Cal Poly (4-1), No. 7 LSU (3-2), No. 18 FAU (4-1). They also knocked off LSU 3-2 on March 2. The Gamecocks have won two in a row.
Georgia State (8-4) has won four straight. They will also battle second-ranked and two-time national champion USC (10-1) at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Panthers went 6-0 at the GSU Beach complex last year and own a 16-1 home record over the past three seasons.
Series History:
FGCU is 1-2 all-time against South Carolina, with the lone win coming April 9, 2016 at the Fiesta on the Siesta. Meanwhile, the Eagles are 0-1 against Georgia State.
FGCU BVB: Eckerd College's Battle on the Bay
After a tough 3-2 loss to Tampa in the opener, the FGCU beach volleyball team (2-2) rebounded with a 5-0 win over UT Martin on Saturday to split the second day and conclude Eckerd College's Battle on the Bay at North Shore Courts.
"We did some really good things against a very talented Tampa team, but I was disappointed by the way we closed out sets," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We have to find ways to apply more pressure to the opponent in end-game situations."
In the opener, seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis registered a straight-set win at the No. 2 pair, and then redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour and junior Giovanna Borgiotti won 18-16 in the third set to put the Eagles up 2-1. Tampa, however, took a third set at the No. 3 pair to even things up and then won the No. 1 pair by taking the final two sets 27-25 and 15-12.
In the finale against UT Martin, freshman Emma Hansen was inserted into the No. 5 pair to team with sophomore Cortney VanLiew. The duo won in straight sets to give Hansen her first collegiate win. The rest of the Green and Blue followed suit to finish a 10-set sweep in a first-ever matchup between the two teams.
"We did some really good things against a very talented Tampa team, but I was disappointed by the way we closed out sets," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We have to find ways to apply more pressure to the opponent in end-game situations."
In the opener, seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis registered a straight-set win at the No. 2 pair, and then redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour and junior Giovanna Borgiotti won 18-16 in the third set to put the Eagles up 2-1. Tampa, however, took a third set at the No. 3 pair to even things up and then won the No. 1 pair by taking the final two sets 27-25 and 15-12.
In the finale against UT Martin, freshman Emma Hansen was inserted into the No. 5 pair to team with sophomore Cortney VanLiew. The duo won in straight sets to give Hansen her first collegiate win. The rest of the Green and Blue followed suit to finish a 10-set sweep in a first-ever matchup between the two teams.
With two more wins on Saturday, Rhoades now has 44 in her career, which is three shy of surpassing Madi Wilcox (46-32, .590) for the program record. Her teammate, Puisis continues to hold the career winning percentage record with .615 (40-25), while Rhoades is second at .611 (44-28).
Senior Amanda Carroll teamed with freshman Kirstine Garder to produce her 25th career win at the No. 1 pair. She is 34-33 in her career.
FGCU's No. 2, 3 and 4 pairs are now all 3-1 this year.
Saturday's Results:
Tampa 3, FGCU 2
1. Oswald/Rosequist (Tampa) d. Garder/Carroll 9-21, 27-25, 15-12
2. Puisis/Rhoades (FGCU) d. Thompson/Rosequist 21-19, 21-15
3. McKiel/Houghton (Tampa) d. Burnam/Whetstone 18-21, 21-16, 15-12
4. Lacour/Borgiotti (FGCU) d. Elias/Pfuner 21-17, 19-21, 18-16
5. Duffy/Haslag (Tampa) d. Ryan/VanLiew 21-17, 19-21, 15-12
FGCU 5, UT Martin 0
1. Garder/Carroll d. Gyori/Phillips 21-14, 21-18
2. Puisis/Rhoades d. Hinshaw/Scanlon 21-14, 21-8
3. Burnam/Whetstone d. Fair/Walker 21-12, 21-11
4. Lacour/Borgiotti d. Geurin/Reynolds 21-8, 21-9
5. Hansen/VanLiew d. Conley/Wallick 21-11, 21-13
Up Next:
The Eagles travel to Atlanta for the Georgia State Day of Duals. The Eagles will face host Georgia State (6-4) at 3 pm before facing Power 5 South Carolina (5-5) at 5 pm.
FGCU BVB: Eckerd College's Battle on the Bay Day One Recap
The No. 3 duo of sophomores Snowy Burnam and Kayla Whetstone swept all four sets to help the FGCU beach volleyball team (1-1) split a pair of season-opening matches in Eckerd College's Battle on the Bay with a 5-0 win over NCAA DII Saint Leo (3-7) and a 4-1 loss to Arizona State (5-3), who was in the receiving votes section of the latest AVCA poll.
"I thought we had a solid first day to the season," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "All the pairs got off to a nice start against Saint Leo, and I really liked the in-game adjustments our players were making as the matches went on. Against Arizona State, we had some great opportunities that we just couldn't take advantage of. I was really pleased with the way each team competed and think that we learned a lot about what areas we need to work on collectively."
Burnam and Whetstone opened the day with a 21-12, 21-16 win over Saint Leo's Kirsten Kaiser and Sam Bogdan. They closed with a 21-12, 21-18 victory over Katie Cross and Cierra Flood of Arizona State. The duo is now 18-10 in just over one year together in the Green and Blue.
"Snowy and Kayla played extremely well in their matches, and I thought their effectiveness and transition really set the tone," Botsford said.
In the opener against Saint Leo, freshman Kirstine Garder teamed with senior Amanda Carroll at the No. 1 pair on won her collegiate debut in comeback fashion, 19-21, 21-19, 15-5. Coming off their record-breaking season, the No. 2 duo of seniors Katherine Puisis and Karissa Rhoades won the No. 2 pair in straight sets.
Another highlight was the new pair of junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour at the No. 4 spot. Borgiotti lost Ashley Glickert due to graduation, but Lacour transferred in from Florida Atlantic and the duo swept the No. 4 pair.
Against Arizona State, Garder and Carroll, along with the duo of Puisis and Rhoades, each took the Sun Devils to three sets before dropping their matches.
Against Saint Leo, Rhoades picked up her 42nd career victory, which puts her just five shy of surpassing Madi Wilcox (46, 2014-17) for the most in program history. Puisis, who currently ranks third on the list with 38, remains No. 1 all-time in career winning percentage (38-25, .603).
Borgiotti, who finished last year with eight straight wins, picked up a new program record ninth-straight victory against Saint Leo. She was previously tied with Elisa Anne Aldrich and Madi Wilcox, who achieved their streak from April 5-22 of 2016.
The Green and Blue will be back in action on Saturday against Tampa (12 p.m.) and the University of Tennessee at Martin (4 p.m.)
Saturday's Schedule
Tampa vs North Florida, 10 a.m.
Arizona State vs UT Martin, 11 a.m.
Tampa vs FGCU, 12 p.m.
Saint Leo vs North Florida, 1 p.m.
Arizona State vs Eckerd, 2 p.m.
Saint Leo vs Webber, 3 p.m.
UT Martin vs FGCU, 4 p.m.
Eckerd vs Webber, 5 p.m.
"I thought we had a solid first day to the season," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "All the pairs got off to a nice start against Saint Leo, and I really liked the in-game adjustments our players were making as the matches went on. Against Arizona State, we had some great opportunities that we just couldn't take advantage of. I was really pleased with the way each team competed and think that we learned a lot about what areas we need to work on collectively."
Burnam and Whetstone opened the day with a 21-12, 21-16 win over Saint Leo's Kirsten Kaiser and Sam Bogdan. They closed with a 21-12, 21-18 victory over Katie Cross and Cierra Flood of Arizona State. The duo is now 18-10 in just over one year together in the Green and Blue.
"Snowy and Kayla played extremely well in their matches, and I thought their effectiveness and transition really set the tone," Botsford said.
In the opener against Saint Leo, freshman Kirstine Garder teamed with senior Amanda Carroll at the No. 1 pair on won her collegiate debut in comeback fashion, 19-21, 21-19, 15-5. Coming off their record-breaking season, the No. 2 duo of seniors Katherine Puisis and Karissa Rhoades won the No. 2 pair in straight sets.
Another highlight was the new pair of junior Giovanna Borgiotti and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour at the No. 4 spot. Borgiotti lost Ashley Glickert due to graduation, but Lacour transferred in from Florida Atlantic and the duo swept the No. 4 pair.
Against Arizona State, Garder and Carroll, along with the duo of Puisis and Rhoades, each took the Sun Devils to three sets before dropping their matches.
Against Saint Leo, Rhoades picked up her 42nd career victory, which puts her just five shy of surpassing Madi Wilcox (46, 2014-17) for the most in program history. Puisis, who currently ranks third on the list with 38, remains No. 1 all-time in career winning percentage (38-25, .603).
Borgiotti, who finished last year with eight straight wins, picked up a new program record ninth-straight victory against Saint Leo. She was previously tied with Elisa Anne Aldrich and Madi Wilcox, who achieved their streak from April 5-22 of 2016.
The Green and Blue will be back in action on Saturday against Tampa (12 p.m.) and the University of Tennessee at Martin (4 p.m.)
Saturday's Schedule
Tampa vs North Florida, 10 a.m.
Arizona State vs UT Martin, 11 a.m.
Tampa vs FGCU, 12 p.m.
Saint Leo vs North Florida, 1 p.m.
Arizona State vs Eckerd, 2 p.m.
Saint Leo vs Webber, 3 p.m.
UT Martin vs FGCU, 4 p.m.
Eckerd vs Webber, 5 p.m.
FGCU BVB: Eckerd College's Battle Preview
The FGCU beach volleyball team will open its 2019 season in Eckerd College's Battle On The Bay at North Shore Courts this weekend.
The Eagles will compete against Saint Leo, Arizona State, University of Tennessee at Martin and Tampa over the two-day event. Arizona State is in the receiving votes section of the latest AVCA national poll.
It will be the first-ever matchup for the Green and Blue against Arizona State and UT Martin. They're 1-0 against Tampa after a 4-1 win last year, and they are 4-1 all-time against Eckerd dating back to 2015.
FGCU will feature preseason all-conference selections seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis and junior Giovanna Borgiotti this season. Puisis and Rhoades broke the program's single-season wins record last year with 17, while Borgiotti is the only player in program history with 10 or more wins in each of her first two collegiate seasons, and she's done it at multiple pairs - 14 at No. 3 and 12 at No. 2.
Other returners include sophomores Kayla Whetstone and Snowy Burnam, who were named to the A-SUN's All-Freshman Team last year. Burnam became just the second player in NCAA history to be named her conference's freshman of the year in both indoor and beach volleyball (Kathryn Plummer, Stanford).
Senior Amanda Carroll will return to anchor the No. 1 pair, while Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan will also be back.
New to the team will be freshmen Kirstine Garder, Camryn Bossinas and Emma Hansen and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour. Lacour joins FGCU after transferring from Florida Atlantic.
Friday's Schedule
Tampa vs UT Martin, 10 a.m.
Arizona State vs North Florida - 11 a.m.
Eckerd vs UT Martin - 12 p.m.
FGCU vs Saint Leo - 1 p.m.
Tampa vs Webber - 2 p.m.
Eckerd vs North Florida - 3 p.m.
FGCU vs Arizona State - 4 p.m.
Saturday's Schedule
Tampa vs North Florida, 10 a.m.
Arizona State vs UT Martin, 11 a.m.
Tampa vs FGCU, 12 p.m.
Saint Leo vs North Florida, 1 p.m.
Arizona State vs Eckerd, 2 p.m.
Saint Leo vs Webber, 3 p.m.
UT Martin vs FGCU, 4 p.m.
Eckerd vs Webber, 5 p.m.
Opponent Capsules:
Saint Leo (3-6) is in its first year with a beach volleyball program. Three of those losses came to ranked teams - No. 10 FIU, No. 17 Stetson and No. 13 Georgia State. They have won two straight - both against UT Martin on Wednesday.
UT Martin (2-6) is in the midst of a 9-day, 12-match stretch in Florida. The Skyhawks recently completed their beach volleyball facility and feature eight underclassmen. Junior Hannah Phillips is the only player with NCAA beach volleyball experience.
Tampa (3-5) is also a young program as the Spartans are in just their second year. Four of their five losses have come to ranked teams - No. 18 Tulane, No. 9 South Carolina, No. 6 Cal Poly and No. 3 Florida State. They have won three of the past four, including a win over Jacksonville (5-0) on March 2.
Arizona State (3-3) is in its seventh year of existence. They defeated No. 16 Grand Canyon on Feb. 23 and lost to No. 15 Loyola Marymount, No. 1 UCLA and No. 11 California. In their most recent match, they knocked off Washington 5-0 in Tucson, Ariz.
The Eagles will compete against Saint Leo, Arizona State, University of Tennessee at Martin and Tampa over the two-day event. Arizona State is in the receiving votes section of the latest AVCA national poll.
It will be the first-ever matchup for the Green and Blue against Arizona State and UT Martin. They're 1-0 against Tampa after a 4-1 win last year, and they are 4-1 all-time against Eckerd dating back to 2015.
FGCU will feature preseason all-conference selections seniors Karissa Rhoades and Katherine Puisis and junior Giovanna Borgiotti this season. Puisis and Rhoades broke the program's single-season wins record last year with 17, while Borgiotti is the only player in program history with 10 or more wins in each of her first two collegiate seasons, and she's done it at multiple pairs - 14 at No. 3 and 12 at No. 2.
Other returners include sophomores Kayla Whetstone and Snowy Burnam, who were named to the A-SUN's All-Freshman Team last year. Burnam became just the second player in NCAA history to be named her conference's freshman of the year in both indoor and beach volleyball (Kathryn Plummer, Stanford).
Senior Amanda Carroll will return to anchor the No. 1 pair, while Cortney VanLiew and Alayna Ryan will also be back.
New to the team will be freshmen Kirstine Garder, Camryn Bossinas and Emma Hansen and redshirt sophomore Candace Lacour. Lacour joins FGCU after transferring from Florida Atlantic.
Friday's Schedule
Tampa vs UT Martin, 10 a.m.
Arizona State vs North Florida - 11 a.m.
Eckerd vs UT Martin - 12 p.m.
FGCU vs Saint Leo - 1 p.m.
Tampa vs Webber - 2 p.m.
Eckerd vs North Florida - 3 p.m.
FGCU vs Arizona State - 4 p.m.
Saturday's Schedule
Tampa vs North Florida, 10 a.m.
Arizona State vs UT Martin, 11 a.m.
Tampa vs FGCU, 12 p.m.
Saint Leo vs North Florida, 1 p.m.
Arizona State vs Eckerd, 2 p.m.
Saint Leo vs Webber, 3 p.m.
UT Martin vs FGCU, 4 p.m.
Eckerd vs Webber, 5 p.m.
Opponent Capsules:
Saint Leo (3-6) is in its first year with a beach volleyball program. Three of those losses came to ranked teams - No. 10 FIU, No. 17 Stetson and No. 13 Georgia State. They have won two straight - both against UT Martin on Wednesday.
UT Martin (2-6) is in the midst of a 9-day, 12-match stretch in Florida. The Skyhawks recently completed their beach volleyball facility and feature eight underclassmen. Junior Hannah Phillips is the only player with NCAA beach volleyball experience.
Tampa (3-5) is also a young program as the Spartans are in just their second year. Four of their five losses have come to ranked teams - No. 18 Tulane, No. 9 South Carolina, No. 6 Cal Poly and No. 3 Florida State. They have won three of the past four, including a win over Jacksonville (5-0) on March 2.
Arizona State (3-3) is in its seventh year of existence. They defeated No. 16 Grand Canyon on Feb. 23 and lost to No. 15 Loyola Marymount, No. 1 UCLA and No. 11 California. In their most recent match, they knocked off Washington 5-0 in Tucson, Ariz.
How to Keep Up:
Fans can keep up with the team on Twitter (@FGCU_BeachVB)
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