Seniors Keri Jewett-Giles and Nasrin Ulel combined for 42 points to lead the No. 24 FGCU women's basketball team (30-3) to a 73-57 win over North Florida (16-15) in the A-SUN Championship semifinals on Wednesday inside Alico Arena.
"There's definitely a lot of bright spots," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said, "(such as) the way we came out in the second half, moved the ball and knocked down shots. We were getting open threes and had them spread out and got layups, which helped us extend the lead. Give North Florida credit. They kept fighting and kept coming at us. I thought we lost our defensive intensity and weren't running our offense (after that). Hopefully there's a lesson to be learned about finishing the game the way we want to."
With the win, the Eagles advance to the A-SUN Championship game for the ninth-consecutive season, which extends a conference record. They will face Liberty (20-11), who defeated North Alabama 90-87 in overtime to set up a rematch of last year's title tilt, at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The game is open to fans and tickets can be purchased online at FGCUtickets.com.
The triumph also gives FGCU its fourth 30-win season over the past six years and allows the Eagles a chance to tie Florida International's all-time A-SUN record with four straight conference tournament championships. As of now, the Green and Blue are just one of four to win three straight, and they improved the program's all-time conference tournament record to 24-2 (.923). On top of that, FGCU is now 48-13 (.787) all-time in the month of March (3-0 this year), and they are 27-3 against North Florida with six straight wins in the series, including 16-0 inside Alico Arena and 4-0 in the postseason.
As a team, FGCU racked up 11 more 3-pointers against North Florida to push its nation-best total to 397, which puts them three shy of becoming just the fourth team in NCAA Division I women's basketball history with at least 400 in a season. The 2017-18 version of the Eagles currently holds the all-time record with 431 with the 2014-15 Sacramento State (424) and 2017-18 DePaul (422) squads ranking second and third.
Offensively, the duo of Jewett-Giles and Ulel produced FGCU's 14th and 15th all-time 20-plus point performances in A-SUN Championship play in Wednesday night's win.
Jewett-Giles, who had a game-high 22 points along with five rebounds, three assists and two steals, racked up her 70th career double-digit scoring performance, and it was the 19th time she's scored 20-or-more, which includes 12 this year alone.
Ulel, meanwhile, had 20 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. She finished 7-for-14 from the field, including 4-for-6 from long distance, for her sixth 20-plus point performance of the season. It was also her 20th double-digit scoring game of the season, and she also added a bit more history to her performance by moving into 10th place on the A-SUN's all-time 3-point field goals list with 229, surpassing Stetson's Brianti Saunders (227, 2013-17).
Grad student Ashli O'Neal also produced offensively by recording her second double-digit performance of the tournament with 12 points on 4-for-9 shooting. She is averaging 16.5 PPG over her first two A-SUN tournament games.
Senior Tytionia Adderly, meanwhile, continued her solid all-around play. While finishing with six points and three steals, she also had her fourth-straight double-digit rebound performance with a game-high 14, which ties her own program record for most in an A-SUN tournament game. She has eight of FGCU's 11 all-time double-digit rebounding efforts in the postseason event. If that isn't enough, she had seven assists vs North Florida, which is tied for the third-most in program history in conference tournament play.
Furthermore, Adderly pushed her career rebounding total to 1,185, which is just 15 shy of making her the second player in A-SUN history with 1,200 in a career. Georgia Southern's Phylette Blake (1,242, 1985-89) holds the all-time record. On Wednesday, the senior also pushed her career double-digit rebounding game total to 55, which includes a career-high 16 this year alone.
Both teams got off to slow starts offensively, combining for just nine points through the game's first five minutes. With the game knotted at five apiece, Jewett-Giles spurred a 10-0 run by forcing a steal and finishing a fast break layup, and Ulel added five points during the stretch. Jewett-Giles then closed the quarter with a second-chance jumper off the glass just before time expired to give FGCU a 17-7 lead.
A three-point play from Jewett-Giles pushed the lead to as many as 19 in the second quarter before FGCU settled on a 38-22 lead at the break. O'Neal then buried a 3-pointer to cap a 15-2 run for the Eagles to open the second half and, following back-to-back 3-pointers from Adderly and Ulel, FGCU held a 59-29 lead with 4:40 left in the third quarter.
From there, things got interesting as the Green and Blue scored just seven points over the next 10 minutes, while Janesha Green's layup pulled the visitors within as few as 13 with 4:20 left in the fourth. O'Neal stemmed the tide, however, with a 3-pointer from the left wing, and Jewett-Giles added a layup on the next possession to essentially seal the game.
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Showing posts with label FGCU Tournament Play. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FGCU Tournament Play. Show all posts
FGCU Softball: FGCU Spring Break Invite Day One Recap
The FGCU softball team (9-3) opened the Spring Break Invite with a 3-1 win over Fordham (1-11) Friday night at the FGCU Softball Complex.
"Tonight was a great win over a very quality opponent – don't let their record fool you," said head coach David Deiros. We were able to battle back and get enough run support for our pitching staff who did a fantastic job tonight keeping them at bay. I'm very proud of our kids tonight and their effort."
The visitors scratched a run across the board in the first inning off an error to take the early 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the third, catcher Ahnie Jumper led the bottom half off with a double to dead center. Johneisha Rowe moved her over on a sac bunt as McKenna Batterton brought Jumper home hitting a ground ball to first.
FGCU took over the 2-1 lead thanks to a sac fly to left from Nicole Hayslip in the bottom of the fourth. Sammi Poehlman started the inning off with a walk, stole second and was moved to third on a sac bunt from Reedy Davenport. Hayslip then skied one to center to score Poehlman.
Starting pitcher Marissa Mesiemore exited after four frames scattering just three hits, fanned three batters while giving up one unearned run.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Green and Blue added some insurance scoring one run on three hits. With the bases loaded, Mikenzie Vaughn brought home pinch-runner Hannah Shemansky – running for Jumper who singled to lead off the inning.
Sarah Lawton faced 10 batters, striking out seven of them as she earned her first save of the year. Mesiemore moved to 5-2 overall in the circle.
At the dish, Vaughn finished 3-for-3 with one RBI as Jumper went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Up Next:
FGCU faces UMass Lowell Saturday evening at 6 p.m. followed by Michigan State at 8 p.m.
"Tonight was a great win over a very quality opponent – don't let their record fool you," said head coach David Deiros. We were able to battle back and get enough run support for our pitching staff who did a fantastic job tonight keeping them at bay. I'm very proud of our kids tonight and their effort."
The visitors scratched a run across the board in the first inning off an error to take the early 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the third, catcher Ahnie Jumper led the bottom half off with a double to dead center. Johneisha Rowe moved her over on a sac bunt as McKenna Batterton brought Jumper home hitting a ground ball to first.
FGCU took over the 2-1 lead thanks to a sac fly to left from Nicole Hayslip in the bottom of the fourth. Sammi Poehlman started the inning off with a walk, stole second and was moved to third on a sac bunt from Reedy Davenport. Hayslip then skied one to center to score Poehlman.
Starting pitcher Marissa Mesiemore exited after four frames scattering just three hits, fanned three batters while giving up one unearned run.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Green and Blue added some insurance scoring one run on three hits. With the bases loaded, Mikenzie Vaughn brought home pinch-runner Hannah Shemansky – running for Jumper who singled to lead off the inning.
Sarah Lawton faced 10 batters, striking out seven of them as she earned her first save of the year. Mesiemore moved to 5-2 overall in the circle.
At the dish, Vaughn finished 3-for-3 with one RBI as Jumper went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Up Next:
FGCU faces UMass Lowell Saturday evening at 6 p.m. followed by Michigan State at 8 p.m.
FGCU Softball: FGCU Invitational Day Two Recap
The FGCU softball team (8-2) walked away with two wins Saturday night, first taking down Memphis (5-4), 5-1, followed by an 8-0 run-rule victory over UIC (2-2). In the process, the program recorded its 650th win overall.
"The two wins tonight were not easy and we knew that coming into the day," said head coach David Deiros. "Both games were very close, competitive and I'm glad we were able to bounce back against Memphis, after dropping one to them last night. We have one more game left Sunday afternoon against #24 Arkansas so we're excited to get back out there against another very good team. Lastly, it's such an amazing feat to get to 650 wins, so a huge thank you to everyone – Eagles past and present – that have been a part of this journey since the program's inception in 2003."
FGCU 5 | Memphis 1
Scoreless through four and a half frames, Hope Hernandez put the Eagles on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Abbey Thomas hit a one-out single as Hannah Shemansky would pinch-run. Up next, Hernandez drove the first pitch she saw to left center for the double, scoring Shemansky. Two batters later, pinch-hitter Jordyn Gendron plated home Hernandez with a single up the middle.
One batter later, Johneisha Rowe reached on an infield single but a fielding error at first allowed Gendron to score from third to make it 3-0 FGCU. The Green and Blue pushed its lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the sixth. Poehlman singled to start the frame, stole second and moved to third on a grounder. Hernandez produced her second RBI chopping one to the shortstop to score Poehlman. Haley Morrell laid down a sac bunt to move Hernandez to second, as Kacie Huber knocked one to right field for the 5-0 advantage.
Memphis scored in the final inning but it was more than enough insurance on the board for Sarah Lawton as the junior tossed her second complete game of the season, moving to 4-0. She fanned a season-high nine batters while conceding just three hits in the process.
FGCU 8 | UIC 0
In the bottom of the third, Maddy Johnson hit a leadoff single to get things going as Huber then reached on a fielding error. After both Eagles advanced one base on a pass ball, Johnson was plated home on a grounder from McKenna Batterton.
FGCU added another run in the bottom of the fifth courtesy of an RBI single from Johnson scoring Sammi Poehlman, who singled and stole second earlier.
The Eagles ended the contest via run-rule posting six runs in the bottom of the sixth, highlighted by six hits including one UIC error. Morrell was hit with the bases loaded for a run as three-straight singles from Rowe, Batterton and Vaughn made it 6-0. Facing one out still, Reedy Davenport snuck a base hit through the right-side scoring Rowe first, then the throwing error to second base, allowed Batterton to win it for the Eagles, 8-0.
In the circle, Marissa Mesiemore pitched six innings and struck out a season-high 10 batters, moving to 4-2 overall this season. At the dish, Johnson finished her night going 3-for-3 while Rowe plated two runners.
Up Next:
FGCU returns back to the diamond Sunday afternoon taking on #24 Arkansas (6-1) at 12:30 p.m.
"The two wins tonight were not easy and we knew that coming into the day," said head coach David Deiros. "Both games were very close, competitive and I'm glad we were able to bounce back against Memphis, after dropping one to them last night. We have one more game left Sunday afternoon against #24 Arkansas so we're excited to get back out there against another very good team. Lastly, it's such an amazing feat to get to 650 wins, so a huge thank you to everyone – Eagles past and present – that have been a part of this journey since the program's inception in 2003."
FGCU 5 | Memphis 1
Scoreless through four and a half frames, Hope Hernandez put the Eagles on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Abbey Thomas hit a one-out single as Hannah Shemansky would pinch-run. Up next, Hernandez drove the first pitch she saw to left center for the double, scoring Shemansky. Two batters later, pinch-hitter Jordyn Gendron plated home Hernandez with a single up the middle.
One batter later, Johneisha Rowe reached on an infield single but a fielding error at first allowed Gendron to score from third to make it 3-0 FGCU. The Green and Blue pushed its lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the sixth. Poehlman singled to start the frame, stole second and moved to third on a grounder. Hernandez produced her second RBI chopping one to the shortstop to score Poehlman. Haley Morrell laid down a sac bunt to move Hernandez to second, as Kacie Huber knocked one to right field for the 5-0 advantage.
Memphis scored in the final inning but it was more than enough insurance on the board for Sarah Lawton as the junior tossed her second complete game of the season, moving to 4-0. She fanned a season-high nine batters while conceding just three hits in the process.
FGCU 8 | UIC 0
In the bottom of the third, Maddy Johnson hit a leadoff single to get things going as Huber then reached on a fielding error. After both Eagles advanced one base on a pass ball, Johnson was plated home on a grounder from McKenna Batterton.
FGCU added another run in the bottom of the fifth courtesy of an RBI single from Johnson scoring Sammi Poehlman, who singled and stole second earlier.
The Eagles ended the contest via run-rule posting six runs in the bottom of the sixth, highlighted by six hits including one UIC error. Morrell was hit with the bases loaded for a run as three-straight singles from Rowe, Batterton and Vaughn made it 6-0. Facing one out still, Reedy Davenport snuck a base hit through the right-side scoring Rowe first, then the throwing error to second base, allowed Batterton to win it for the Eagles, 8-0.
In the circle, Marissa Mesiemore pitched six innings and struck out a season-high 10 batters, moving to 4-2 overall this season. At the dish, Johnson finished her night going 3-for-3 while Rowe plated two runners.
Up Next:
FGCU returns back to the diamond Sunday afternoon taking on #24 Arkansas (6-1) at 12:30 p.m.
FGCU Softball: FGCU Invitational Day One Recap
The FGCU softball team (6-2) split two games Friday night, first taking down Furman (1-4) by a score of 9-1 before falling to Memphis (4-3), 3-2, at the FGCU Softball Complex.
"Tonight was fun. Those are the games we want to be a part of," said head coach David Deiros. "I know we won the first one pretty easily, but that's not the kind of games we want to play. The kind of games we want to be able to play and compete in, are the ones like the second contest. We were battling back the entire way and had chances to take the lead but couldn't come up with it. I hope our kids build on that because we played well enough to win, it just didn't go our way."
FGCU 9 | Furman 1
Johneisha Rowe started the frame off with a single to center then stole second. McKenna Batterton made it 1-0 with a double to score in Rowe. In the bottom of the fourth, the Green and Blue broke out with four runs, scoring each one with two outs. Rowe knocked one to center to bring in Hannah Shemansky as Batterton then hit one up the middle to bring in Kacie Huber. Mikenzie Vaughn capped off the scoring with another base hit up the middle, plating home Batterton and Rowe.
Rowe collected her second RBI of the game scoring Jordyn Gendron who doubled to center to start the bottom of the fourth. The final crooked number of the contest came in the bottom of the sixth. Nicole Hayslip singled to left with one out as Ashley Hayes walked to put runners on first and second. Taylor Bauman then lined a hard hit to the shortstop that got into left field, scoring Hayslip. Two batters later, Reedy Davenport doubled down the left field line to plate pinch-runner Batterton and Bauman, ending the game via the run-rule.
Starting pitcher Sarah Lawton moved to 3-0 after tossing five innings, allowing just two hits while striking out a season-high eight batters.
Memphis 3 | FGCU 2
The Tigers jumped on the board first in the third inning scoring three runs on four hits. FGCU though, responded back in its own half. Sammi Poehlman advanced to second after a fielder's choice on a foul fly ball to right. Up next, Haley Morrell reached on a throwing error as Poehlman raced from second to home.
FGCU scratched its second run in the bottom of the sixth. Vaughn singled and Davenport's walk put both runners on. Poehlman then laid down a bunt reaching first safely but a bad throw allowed Vaughn to score from second. The Eagles made it interesting in the final inning as Rowe singled, stole second and was moved over to third on a sac bunt from Batterton. One batter later, the shortstop would throw Rowe out at home after scooping up a ground ball.
Marissa Mesiemore is tagged with the loss moving her to 3-2. At the dish, Rowe and Poehlman each produced two hits.
Up Next:
FGCU returns back to the diamond tomorrow taking on Memphis at 4:45 p.m. followed by UIC at 7 p.m.
"Tonight was fun. Those are the games we want to be a part of," said head coach David Deiros. "I know we won the first one pretty easily, but that's not the kind of games we want to play. The kind of games we want to be able to play and compete in, are the ones like the second contest. We were battling back the entire way and had chances to take the lead but couldn't come up with it. I hope our kids build on that because we played well enough to win, it just didn't go our way."
FGCU 9 | Furman 1
Johneisha Rowe started the frame off with a single to center then stole second. McKenna Batterton made it 1-0 with a double to score in Rowe. In the bottom of the fourth, the Green and Blue broke out with four runs, scoring each one with two outs. Rowe knocked one to center to bring in Hannah Shemansky as Batterton then hit one up the middle to bring in Kacie Huber. Mikenzie Vaughn capped off the scoring with another base hit up the middle, plating home Batterton and Rowe.
Rowe collected her second RBI of the game scoring Jordyn Gendron who doubled to center to start the bottom of the fourth. The final crooked number of the contest came in the bottom of the sixth. Nicole Hayslip singled to left with one out as Ashley Hayes walked to put runners on first and second. Taylor Bauman then lined a hard hit to the shortstop that got into left field, scoring Hayslip. Two batters later, Reedy Davenport doubled down the left field line to plate pinch-runner Batterton and Bauman, ending the game via the run-rule.
Starting pitcher Sarah Lawton moved to 3-0 after tossing five innings, allowing just two hits while striking out a season-high eight batters.
Memphis 3 | FGCU 2
The Tigers jumped on the board first in the third inning scoring three runs on four hits. FGCU though, responded back in its own half. Sammi Poehlman advanced to second after a fielder's choice on a foul fly ball to right. Up next, Haley Morrell reached on a throwing error as Poehlman raced from second to home.
FGCU scratched its second run in the bottom of the sixth. Vaughn singled and Davenport's walk put both runners on. Poehlman then laid down a bunt reaching first safely but a bad throw allowed Vaughn to score from second. The Eagles made it interesting in the final inning as Rowe singled, stole second and was moved over to third on a sac bunt from Batterton. One batter later, the shortstop would throw Rowe out at home after scooping up a ground ball.
Marissa Mesiemore is tagged with the loss moving her to 3-2. At the dish, Rowe and Poehlman each produced two hits.
Up Next:
FGCU returns back to the diamond tomorrow taking on Memphis at 4:45 p.m. followed by UIC at 7 p.m.
FGCU Softball: FGCU Invitational Preview
The FGCU softball team will welcome four programs to the Nest this weekend hosting the FGCU Invitational, starting with a single game first versus Furman Thursday night at 7 p.m.
Last Time Out:
FGCU opened the 2020 season this past weekend going 4-1 in three days. During that stretch, freshman Johneisha Rowe batted .545, scored four runs while stealing three bases. In the circle, Marissa Mesiemore and Sarah Lawton each collected two wins. Lawton is 2-0 and holds a 0.70 ERA. Meanwhile, Hope Hernandez produced a team best four RBI over the weekend.
Scouting Furman:
The Paladins are 1-2 at the moment as they opened their season in Atlanta in the Buzz Classic hosted by Georgia Tech. Natalie Morgan hit .500 (4-for-8) with four RBI. In the circle, Morgan Smith has the lone victory, making three appearances in two starts.
This will be the first meeting between both programs.
Scouting #24 Arkansas:
The Razorbacks produced a 4-1 record this past weekend in New Mexico at the Troy Cox Classic. Sydney Parr led the offensive attack hitting .556 with 10 hits and four RBI. Arkansas has three players with at least six RBI. In the circle, four Razorbacks have seen action as Autumn Storms is 3-0 and has yet to concede a run. The squad is coming off a 38-win season in 2019 where it made the NCAA Tournament for a third-straight year.
FGCU and Arkansas have met one time prior to this weekend (2012, Arkansas defeated FGCU, 14-7).
Scouting Memphis:
The Tigers enter the Nest with a 3-2 record as they competed in the Hawaii Classic last weekend. In five starts, Sara Ann Davidson recorded a .455 average at the dish, driving in four runners. Memphis used five pitchers over the three-day stretch, led by Chyanne Ellett who went 2-1 in 11.2 innings of work.
FGCU trails the all-time series, 1-2. Last season, FGCU came out on top, 5-0.
Scouting UIC:
Illinois-Chicago will be opening its 2020 season in Southwest Florida this weekend. Last year, the Flames turned in a 32-23 overall record, going 20-4 in the Horzion League. Kayla Wedl returns for her senior year as she batted .453, leading the team in RBI (61), triples (four) and home runs (15). In the circle, Allie Trudeau collected a team-best 12 wins, making 23 starts in 33 appearances.
This will be the second meeting between FGCU and UIC – the Eagles claimed a 4-3 victory back in 2016 at home.
Last Time Out:
FGCU opened the 2020 season this past weekend going 4-1 in three days. During that stretch, freshman Johneisha Rowe batted .545, scored four runs while stealing three bases. In the circle, Marissa Mesiemore and Sarah Lawton each collected two wins. Lawton is 2-0 and holds a 0.70 ERA. Meanwhile, Hope Hernandez produced a team best four RBI over the weekend.
Scouting Furman:
The Paladins are 1-2 at the moment as they opened their season in Atlanta in the Buzz Classic hosted by Georgia Tech. Natalie Morgan hit .500 (4-for-8) with four RBI. In the circle, Morgan Smith has the lone victory, making three appearances in two starts.
This will be the first meeting between both programs.
Scouting #24 Arkansas:
The Razorbacks produced a 4-1 record this past weekend in New Mexico at the Troy Cox Classic. Sydney Parr led the offensive attack hitting .556 with 10 hits and four RBI. Arkansas has three players with at least six RBI. In the circle, four Razorbacks have seen action as Autumn Storms is 3-0 and has yet to concede a run. The squad is coming off a 38-win season in 2019 where it made the NCAA Tournament for a third-straight year.
FGCU and Arkansas have met one time prior to this weekend (2012, Arkansas defeated FGCU, 14-7).
Scouting Memphis:
The Tigers enter the Nest with a 3-2 record as they competed in the Hawaii Classic last weekend. In five starts, Sara Ann Davidson recorded a .455 average at the dish, driving in four runners. Memphis used five pitchers over the three-day stretch, led by Chyanne Ellett who went 2-1 in 11.2 innings of work.
FGCU trails the all-time series, 1-2. Last season, FGCU came out on top, 5-0.
Scouting UIC:
Illinois-Chicago will be opening its 2020 season in Southwest Florida this weekend. Last year, the Flames turned in a 32-23 overall record, going 20-4 in the Horzion League. Kayla Wedl returns for her senior year as she batted .453, leading the team in RBI (61), triples (four) and home runs (15). In the circle, Allie Trudeau collected a team-best 12 wins, making 23 starts in 33 appearances.
This will be the second meeting between FGCU and UIC – the Eagles claimed a 4-3 victory back in 2016 at home.
FGCU Softball: FGCU Kickoff Classic Day Three Recap
The FGCU softball team (4-1) suffered its first loss of the season to UConn (3-2) Sunday afternoon in a 7-3 decision at the FGCU Softball Complex.
"It was a really solid weekend but I don't think we really hit on all cylinders today," said head coach David Deiros. "We came out as tournament champions with a 4-1 record and had some chances in today's game, but we let it slip away in the middle innings. It's on to the next week from here against some really good teams including nationally ranked Arkansas twice."
Scoreless after one inning, UConn broke out in the top of the second with four runs on three hits including one error. FGCU was able to cut into the deficit in the bottom half of the third as Johneisha Rowe hit a leadoff double to center and then scored on a wild pitch from second. The visitors added to their lead scratching a run across in the fifth and two more in the sixth.
The Eagles were able to narrow the lead down to four in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run home run from Mikenzie Vaughn. Hope Hernandez led off the frame with a single when Vaughn scorched the line drive home run with two outs.
Marissa Mesiemore gets tagged with the loss moving her to 2-1 after four innings of work. Emily Estroff and Taylor Bauman tossed the final three frames. At the plate, Rowe finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.
Up Next:
FGCU returns to the diamond Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. to take on Furman to kick off the FGCU Invite which takes place Feb. 13-16. Including another contest with Furman, the Eagles will face No. 20 Arkansas (twice), Memphis and University of Illinois-Chicago.
"It was a really solid weekend but I don't think we really hit on all cylinders today," said head coach David Deiros. "We came out as tournament champions with a 4-1 record and had some chances in today's game, but we let it slip away in the middle innings. It's on to the next week from here against some really good teams including nationally ranked Arkansas twice."
Scoreless after one inning, UConn broke out in the top of the second with four runs on three hits including one error. FGCU was able to cut into the deficit in the bottom half of the third as Johneisha Rowe hit a leadoff double to center and then scored on a wild pitch from second. The visitors added to their lead scratching a run across in the fifth and two more in the sixth.
The Eagles were able to narrow the lead down to four in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run home run from Mikenzie Vaughn. Hope Hernandez led off the frame with a single when Vaughn scorched the line drive home run with two outs.
Marissa Mesiemore gets tagged with the loss moving her to 2-1 after four innings of work. Emily Estroff and Taylor Bauman tossed the final three frames. At the plate, Rowe finished 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.
Up Next:
FGCU returns to the diamond Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. to take on Furman to kick off the FGCU Invite which takes place Feb. 13-16. Including another contest with Furman, the Eagles will face No. 20 Arkansas (twice), Memphis and University of Illinois-Chicago.
FGCU Softball: FGCU Kickoff Classic Day Two Recap
The FGCU softball team snagged two more games Saturday evening as the Eagles took down Georgetown (0-4), 5-0, followed by a 5-1 win over LIU (2-2) to end the night at the FGCU Softball Complex.
"We had two really good wins tonight and I just like the way we are competing in all aspects," said head coach David Deiros. "In the first game with Marissa, we got on [Georgetown] early and then we couldn't sustain that momentum but we were able to pitch and defend through it. Against LIU, they came out and hit us in the mouth. If McKenna doesn't make that play in center, that's a big first inning and a big hole for us to be in. Sarah settled down after that so I'm really proud of our kids for the effort."
FGCU 5 | Georgetown 0
Leadoff hitter Sammi Poehlman started off the bottom of the first with a single and swiped second. McKenna Batterton bunt singled to put runners on the corners. Poehlman was caught in a rundown at home during a fielder's choice off the bat of Haley Morrell but a RBI single from Reedy Davenport scored Batterton. Facing two outs, catcher Ahnie Jumper hit a two-run double to left-center to cap off the frame.
FGCU tacked on another run in the bottom of the second, highlighted by a Batterton double that brought home Kacie Huber. A five-run lead was more than enough for Marissa Mesiemore who retired the last nine batters she faced. The junior righty finished the night tossing six innings, striking out nine Hoyas in the process as she moves to 2-0. Emily Estroff worked the final frame, sitting down the Hoyas in order.
Batterton capped off the game going 4-for-4 with one double, three singles and an RBI.
FGCU 5 | LIU 1
The Sharks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first as FGCU would be held scoreless until the bottom of the fourth. In that frame, the Green and Blue used two hits on two errors to jump ahead 2-0. Johneisha Rowe singled and hustled to second on the first error as she scored with Morrell reaching on the frame's second throwing miscue. Three batters later, Hope Hernandez brought pinch-runner Hannah Shemansky home from third with a knock to left.
Holding onto the narrow lead, pitcher Sarah Lawton began to settle down and got three insurance runs in the sixth from the Eagles off a trio of hits. Hernandez came away with an RBI single while Maddy Johnson produced two runs with her base hit to center.
Lawton moves to 2-0 after tossing a complete five-hit game while striking out three Sharks. Rowe finished 3-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base, Hernandez went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored.
Up Next:
FGCU caps off the tournament with a battle against UConn (2-2) Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
"We had two really good wins tonight and I just like the way we are competing in all aspects," said head coach David Deiros. "In the first game with Marissa, we got on [Georgetown] early and then we couldn't sustain that momentum but we were able to pitch and defend through it. Against LIU, they came out and hit us in the mouth. If McKenna doesn't make that play in center, that's a big first inning and a big hole for us to be in. Sarah settled down after that so I'm really proud of our kids for the effort."
FGCU 5 | Georgetown 0
Leadoff hitter Sammi Poehlman started off the bottom of the first with a single and swiped second. McKenna Batterton bunt singled to put runners on the corners. Poehlman was caught in a rundown at home during a fielder's choice off the bat of Haley Morrell but a RBI single from Reedy Davenport scored Batterton. Facing two outs, catcher Ahnie Jumper hit a two-run double to left-center to cap off the frame.
FGCU tacked on another run in the bottom of the second, highlighted by a Batterton double that brought home Kacie Huber. A five-run lead was more than enough for Marissa Mesiemore who retired the last nine batters she faced. The junior righty finished the night tossing six innings, striking out nine Hoyas in the process as she moves to 2-0. Emily Estroff worked the final frame, sitting down the Hoyas in order.
Batterton capped off the game going 4-for-4 with one double, three singles and an RBI.
FGCU 5 | LIU 1
The Sharks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first as FGCU would be held scoreless until the bottom of the fourth. In that frame, the Green and Blue used two hits on two errors to jump ahead 2-0. Johneisha Rowe singled and hustled to second on the first error as she scored with Morrell reaching on the frame's second throwing miscue. Three batters later, Hope Hernandez brought pinch-runner Hannah Shemansky home from third with a knock to left.
Holding onto the narrow lead, pitcher Sarah Lawton began to settle down and got three insurance runs in the sixth from the Eagles off a trio of hits. Hernandez came away with an RBI single while Maddy Johnson produced two runs with her base hit to center.
Lawton moves to 2-0 after tossing a complete five-hit game while striking out three Sharks. Rowe finished 3-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base, Hernandez went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored.
Up Next:
FGCU caps off the tournament with a battle against UConn (2-2) Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
FGCU Softball: FGCU Kickoff Classic Day One Recap
The FGCU softball team (2-0) walked away two wins Friday night, first taking down Delaware (1-1), 4-1 and capped off the night with a thrilling 4-3 walk-off win over Boston College (1-1) at the FGCU Softball Complex.
"Tonight was two very different games. The results were great for us in both cases but they couldn't have started any differently," said head coach David Deiros. "We took the big lead early and had to go ahead and fight off [Delaware's] advances in the last three innings. Boston College then took the lead and we just kept on battling and came away with the win in extra innings."
FGCU 4 | Delaware 1
FGCU wasted no time getting on the board scoring two runs on two hits. A pair of walks by Sammi Poehlman and Johneisha Rowe and a sac bunt single by Haley Morrell loaded the bags. Two batters later, Marissa Mesiemore roped a double to left for the 2-0 lead.
In the second frame, FGCU produced three hits on two runs. Mikenzie Vaughn started off the inning with a double to left-center as she was moved to third on a sac bunt by Kacie Huber. McKenna Batterton stepped in and laced a single up the middle scoring Vaughn and pinch-runner Maddy Johnson.
Mesiemore continued to roll, keeping the Blue Hens hitless until the fifth inning where eventually, they scored their lone run.
The Bushnell, Fla., native came away with FGCU's first victory of 2020 as she tossed a complete four-hit game, fanning eight batters.
FGCU 4 | Boston College 3
BC jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second and made it 3-0 in the third. FGCU responded though, in its own bottom half with two runs on one hit. Reedy Davenport sparked the inning reaching on an error as Abbey Thomas then walked. Batterton's fielder's choice bunt to the pitcher loaded the bags. Hope Hernandez's single up the middle gave the Green and Blue's its first hit along with two runs.
Davenport tied the game for FGCU with a double to left, bringing Poehlman in who reached on a single and scored from second after swiping the bag.
With the International Tiebreaker Rule now in effect – the last batter out of the previous inning gets placed on second – Ahnie Jumper was now in scoring position to start the eighth. BC intentionally walked Batterton as a sac bunt from Hernandez moved them to second and third. On the very next pitch, Jumper gave FGCU the walk-off win coming home on a wild pitch.
Sarah Lawton picked up the win after tossing three innings of work yielding just one hit, one walk, while fanning four batters. Davenport led the team at the plate with two hits, meanwhile, Hernandez ended the game with two RBI.
Up Next:
FGCU returns tomorrow night facing Georgetown (0-2) at 6 p.m. and end the night facing LIU (1-1) at 8:15 pm.
"Tonight was two very different games. The results were great for us in both cases but they couldn't have started any differently," said head coach David Deiros. "We took the big lead early and had to go ahead and fight off [Delaware's] advances in the last three innings. Boston College then took the lead and we just kept on battling and came away with the win in extra innings."
FGCU 4 | Delaware 1
FGCU wasted no time getting on the board scoring two runs on two hits. A pair of walks by Sammi Poehlman and Johneisha Rowe and a sac bunt single by Haley Morrell loaded the bags. Two batters later, Marissa Mesiemore roped a double to left for the 2-0 lead.
In the second frame, FGCU produced three hits on two runs. Mikenzie Vaughn started off the inning with a double to left-center as she was moved to third on a sac bunt by Kacie Huber. McKenna Batterton stepped in and laced a single up the middle scoring Vaughn and pinch-runner Maddy Johnson.
Mesiemore continued to roll, keeping the Blue Hens hitless until the fifth inning where eventually, they scored their lone run.
The Bushnell, Fla., native came away with FGCU's first victory of 2020 as she tossed a complete four-hit game, fanning eight batters.
FGCU 4 | Boston College 3
BC jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second and made it 3-0 in the third. FGCU responded though, in its own bottom half with two runs on one hit. Reedy Davenport sparked the inning reaching on an error as Abbey Thomas then walked. Batterton's fielder's choice bunt to the pitcher loaded the bags. Hope Hernandez's single up the middle gave the Green and Blue's its first hit along with two runs.
Davenport tied the game for FGCU with a double to left, bringing Poehlman in who reached on a single and scored from second after swiping the bag.
With the International Tiebreaker Rule now in effect – the last batter out of the previous inning gets placed on second – Ahnie Jumper was now in scoring position to start the eighth. BC intentionally walked Batterton as a sac bunt from Hernandez moved them to second and third. On the very next pitch, Jumper gave FGCU the walk-off win coming home on a wild pitch.
Sarah Lawton picked up the win after tossing three innings of work yielding just one hit, one walk, while fanning four batters. Davenport led the team at the plate with two hits, meanwhile, Hernandez ended the game with two RBI.
Up Next:
FGCU returns tomorrow night facing Georgetown (0-2) at 6 p.m. and end the night facing LIU (1-1) at 8:15 pm.
FGCU WGolf: Mid-American Match Play Challenge Recap
The top-seeded FGCU women's golf team defeated Akron and Western Michigan to capture the Mid-American Match Play Challenge championship on Tuesday at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club.
"What a way to start the season. I am very proud of the team for finishing out this win," FGCU head coach Sarah Trew said. "It's never easy to secure a victory even when you are the top-seeded team in match play. This morning, we started out really rough but pulled it together and played phenomenal golf on the back nine. We were able to take that confidence into the championship match and pull out the win. Kudos to Akron and Western Michigan for great play today."
The trio of Sarah Edwards, Natalia Nassar and Ailsa Clark each won both of their head-to-head matches to carry the Eagles to the title. Edwards took care of business first in the championship, clinching her win on the 14th hole, just before Clark won hers on the 15th hole. Nassar, meanwhile, won the 17th hole to clinch the title-securing third win.
Tuesday's victory represented the program's first Mid-American Match Play Challenge championship after two consecutive runner-up finishes. The Eagles also finished third in 2017.
The Green and Blue will be back in action in two weeks at the Amelia Island College on Feb. 17-18. FGCU finished second as a team in the event last year, while Edmonds captured medalist honors.
Tuesday's Results
Semifinals
No. 1 FGCU d. No. 4 Akron 3-2-0
No. 6 Western Michigan d. No. 7 Morehead State in playoff (T 2-2-1)
Championship
No. 1 FGCU d. No. 6 Western Michigan 3-1-1
Individual Results
FGCU d. Akron 3-2-0 (Semifinals)
1. Laura Edmonds loses 2UP to Jennifer David
2. Ailsa Clark wins 2UP over Ivana Shah
3. Natalia Nassar wins 2UP over Jessica Hahn
4. Sarah Edwards wins 4&3 over Riley Dean
5. Isabella Portokalis loses 3&1 to Jacinta Pikunas
FGCU d. Western Michigan 3-1-1 (Finals)
1. Laura Edmonds ties Jasmine Chee
2. Ailsa Clark wins 4&3 over Fiona Wang
3. Natalia Nassar wins 3&1 over Brooke Gibbons
4. Sarah Edwards wins 5&4 over Alissa Fish
5. Isabella Portokalis loses 4&2 to Cameryn Lucia
"What a way to start the season. I am very proud of the team for finishing out this win," FGCU head coach Sarah Trew said. "It's never easy to secure a victory even when you are the top-seeded team in match play. This morning, we started out really rough but pulled it together and played phenomenal golf on the back nine. We were able to take that confidence into the championship match and pull out the win. Kudos to Akron and Western Michigan for great play today."
The trio of Sarah Edwards, Natalia Nassar and Ailsa Clark each won both of their head-to-head matches to carry the Eagles to the title. Edwards took care of business first in the championship, clinching her win on the 14th hole, just before Clark won hers on the 15th hole. Nassar, meanwhile, won the 17th hole to clinch the title-securing third win.
Tuesday's victory represented the program's first Mid-American Match Play Challenge championship after two consecutive runner-up finishes. The Eagles also finished third in 2017.
The Green and Blue will be back in action in two weeks at the Amelia Island College on Feb. 17-18. FGCU finished second as a team in the event last year, while Edmonds captured medalist honors.
Tuesday's Results
Semifinals
No. 1 FGCU d. No. 4 Akron 3-2-0
No. 6 Western Michigan d. No. 7 Morehead State in playoff (T 2-2-1)
Championship
No. 1 FGCU d. No. 6 Western Michigan 3-1-1
Individual Results
FGCU d. Akron 3-2-0 (Semifinals)
1. Laura Edmonds loses 2UP to Jennifer David
2. Ailsa Clark wins 2UP over Ivana Shah
3. Natalia Nassar wins 2UP over Jessica Hahn
4. Sarah Edwards wins 4&3 over Riley Dean
5. Isabella Portokalis loses 3&1 to Jacinta Pikunas
FGCU d. Western Michigan 3-1-1 (Finals)
1. Laura Edmonds ties Jasmine Chee
2. Ailsa Clark wins 4&3 over Fiona Wang
3. Natalia Nassar wins 3&1 over Brooke Gibbons
4. Sarah Edwards wins 5&4 over Alissa Fish
5. Isabella Portokalis loses 4&2 to Cameryn Lucia
FGCU WBB vs South Dakota State: Cancun Challenge Day Three Recap
Grad student Ashli O'Neal went coast-to-coast for a game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left to give the FGCU women's basketball team (8-1) a 71-70 win over South Dakota State (5-3) in the championship game of the Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel on Saturday.
"Somehow we found a way to beat another great team today," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "Keri and Davion made big plays late in the game, and Ashli made a game-winning play for the second day in a row."
FGCU has now won five straight games, including three straight over the defending national runner-up (Notre Dame), No. 20 USF and reigning NCAA Sweet 16 participant South Dakota State. The Eagles will not have much time to celebrate as they will travel to face Houston on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
O'Neal's basket came after South Dakota State's Myah Selland gave the Jackrabbits a one-point lead with nine seconds left. Tori Nelson missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer, capping a wild final quarter and setting off a celebration at center court for the Green and Blue.
The Eagles entered the final quarter with a seven-point deficit, but redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles sank a pair of 3-pointers and hit a short jumper from the left side of the rim to give her team a 57-56 lead with 7:31 left.
Despite Jewett-Giles scoring 14 straight points for FGCU to open the quarter, the Jackrabbits battled four lead changes and a tie to take a 68-63 lead with 33 seconds left.
Following a timeout, redshirt senior Davion Wingate made a 3-pointer from the right wing to pull the Eagles within two. On the ensuing possession, Selland was called for an offensive foul on the mid-court inbounds pass. Wingate was then fouled attempting another 3-pointer and sank all three free throws to give FGCU a 69-68 lead with 13 seconds left.
South Dakota State then used its final timeout to set up the inbounds play for Selland before O'Neal's game winner.
In the fourth quarter alone, which featured seven lead changes and two ties, FGCU shot 7-for-13 from the field, including 5-for-10 from 3-point range.
Jewett-Giles, who was named to the All-Cancun Challenge team, scored a game-high 24 points and added two steals on 8-for-13 shooting, including a 6-for-8 finish from 3-point range. Senior Nasrin Ulel finished second in scoring with 16 while adding three rebounds and a steal, and Wingate chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Redshirt junior Kerstie Phills, who made two big 3-pointers early in the third quarter, finished with eight points, while O'Neal tallied seven.
Senior Tytionia Adderly, who was named the MVP of the Cancun Challenge, added a game-high 11 rebounds along with a team-high four assists, two steals and two points. She totaled double-digit rebounds in each game while pushing her overall streak to four straight and six of seven. This weekend, she averaged nine points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals per game.
FGCU was aided by a 16-for-17 (.941) performance from the foul line, which is the fifth-best percentage in a game in the program's Division I era.
Cancun Challenge All-Tournament Team:
Tytionia Adderly (FGCU) - MVP
Keri Jewett-Giles (FGCU)
Myah Selland (South Dakota State)
Paiton Burckhard (South Dakota State)
Anaya Peoples (Notre Dame)
Elena Tieneke (USF)
"Somehow we found a way to beat another great team today," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "Keri and Davion made big plays late in the game, and Ashli made a game-winning play for the second day in a row."
FGCU has now won five straight games, including three straight over the defending national runner-up (Notre Dame), No. 20 USF and reigning NCAA Sweet 16 participant South Dakota State. The Eagles will not have much time to celebrate as they will travel to face Houston on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
O'Neal's basket came after South Dakota State's Myah Selland gave the Jackrabbits a one-point lead with nine seconds left. Tori Nelson missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer, capping a wild final quarter and setting off a celebration at center court for the Green and Blue.
The Eagles entered the final quarter with a seven-point deficit, but redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles sank a pair of 3-pointers and hit a short jumper from the left side of the rim to give her team a 57-56 lead with 7:31 left.
Despite Jewett-Giles scoring 14 straight points for FGCU to open the quarter, the Jackrabbits battled four lead changes and a tie to take a 68-63 lead with 33 seconds left.
Following a timeout, redshirt senior Davion Wingate made a 3-pointer from the right wing to pull the Eagles within two. On the ensuing possession, Selland was called for an offensive foul on the mid-court inbounds pass. Wingate was then fouled attempting another 3-pointer and sank all three free throws to give FGCU a 69-68 lead with 13 seconds left.
South Dakota State then used its final timeout to set up the inbounds play for Selland before O'Neal's game winner.
In the fourth quarter alone, which featured seven lead changes and two ties, FGCU shot 7-for-13 from the field, including 5-for-10 from 3-point range.
Jewett-Giles, who was named to the All-Cancun Challenge team, scored a game-high 24 points and added two steals on 8-for-13 shooting, including a 6-for-8 finish from 3-point range. Senior Nasrin Ulel finished second in scoring with 16 while adding three rebounds and a steal, and Wingate chipped in 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Redshirt junior Kerstie Phills, who made two big 3-pointers early in the third quarter, finished with eight points, while O'Neal tallied seven.
Senior Tytionia Adderly, who was named the MVP of the Cancun Challenge, added a game-high 11 rebounds along with a team-high four assists, two steals and two points. She totaled double-digit rebounds in each game while pushing her overall streak to four straight and six of seven. This weekend, she averaged nine points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals per game.
FGCU was aided by a 16-for-17 (.941) performance from the foul line, which is the fifth-best percentage in a game in the program's Division I era.
Cancun Challenge All-Tournament Team:
Tytionia Adderly (FGCU) - MVP
Keri Jewett-Giles (FGCU)
Myah Selland (South Dakota State)
Paiton Burckhard (South Dakota State)
Anaya Peoples (Notre Dame)
Elena Tieneke (USF)
FGCU WBB vs USF: Cancun Challenge Day Two Recap
Nasrin Ulel scored a game-high 23 points, while Keri Jewett-Giles scored 12 of her 19 points in the final quarter as the FGCU women's basketball team (7-1) knocked off No. 20 USF 81-77 in the Hard Rock Hotel as part of the Cancun Challenge on Friday.
With the win, FGCU produced its fourth all-time win over a ranked team, and USF is the second-highest ranked team they've defeated behind No. 15 Missouri in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. The Eagles will now meet South Dakota State (5-2) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday for the championship after the Jackrabbits also defeated Notre Dame and USF over the past two days.
"We beat a very good and well-coached team," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "It was great to see so many people make positive contributions. Nasrin was excellent. Ashli hit all those free throws down the stretch. Ty played great, and players that maybe weren't feeling 100 percent like Phills came in and really battled for us. It was just a great all-around win. To beat a team that good, you have to have a lot of people contributing. I thought Keri had an excellent second half. Whenever we needed a basket or needed to do something, someone stepped up."
USF scored 19 of the game's first 28 points and led by 10 with 2:03 left in the first quarter. In response, Kerstie Phills and Alyssa Blair hit a pair of 3-pointers, and Ashli O'Neal found Tytionia Adderly for a buzzer-beating layup to pull the Eagles within four through the first 10 minutes.
A 3-pointer from Ulel pulled FGCU within one with 7:46 left in the half, but the Bulls pushed their lead back to six twice over the next three minutes. Davion Wingate, who had been held scoreless up to that point, caught fire by sinking a pair of free throws and converting back-to-back layups to pull the Eagles within two. USF converted a layup with 23 seconds left, but Wingate found Ulel for another buzzer-beater, which came via a 3-pointer.
With that shot, Ulel surpassed 1,000 points in the Green and Blue. She ranks 10th on the program's Division I era scoring list with 1,015, just one shy of Courtney Chihil (1,016, 2008-12) for ninth-place. Her milestone marked the third-consecutive game that an Eagle has reached 1,000 points in her NCAA career - joining Jewett-Giles against Saint Francis and Wingate against Notre Dame.
FGCU couldn't seem to gain the lead to open the second half as USF took a five-point lead twice. Adderly, though, changed all that with her second 3-pointer of the game with 5:24 left in the third. Moments later, Adderly found Ulel for another one from long distance to push the lead to five, although the Bulls trimmed their deficit to one entering the fourth.
The Eagles opened the fourth on a 5-0 run, and a trio of free throws and a layup from Jewett-Giles pushed the margin to nine with 6:31 left. The senior guard also hit two key free throws with 1:14 left after USF trimmed its deficit to three.
From there, O'Neal made 5-of-6 from the foul line and drew an offensive foul that wiped out a made 3-pointer from USF that would have pulled the Bulls within three with 26 seconds left. The Eagles then sealed the game at the foul line as USF's last-second layup proved meaningless.
O'Neal finished 7-for-8 from the foul line in the final quarter while drawing five fouls and adding two assists. Wingate (8-for-8) became the 11th player in the program's Division I era to make at least eight free throw attempts without a miss.
Offensively, Ulel (23), Jewett-Giles (19) and Wingate (12) combined for 54 of FGCU's 81 points, while Adderly and O'Neal each added nine. In fact, Adderly had a team-high 10 rebounds along with four assists and two steals while falling just one point shy of her second-consecutive double-double, while Jewett-Giles finished second in rebounds with six. O'Neal had a game-high six assists, and Ulel led the way with three steals.
Notes
Emma List earned her first start of the season.
After getting outrebounded 25-12 in the first half, FGCU responded with an 18-16 advantage in the second half while shooting 10-for-22 from the field, including 5-for-10 from 3-point range with three of those coming from Ulel, who had the second-most field goal attempts in a game in the program's Division I era with 22, falling just shy of Kaneisha Atwater's 24 vs Western Michigan on Dec. 21, 2015.
FGCU is now 3-2 all-time against USF after winning the first neutral site matchup between the two programs. The Eagles have also won two in a row in the series dating back to a home win on Dec. 4, 2013.
South Dakota State defeated Notre Dame 65-59 in the other game of the day.
With the win, FGCU produced its fourth all-time win over a ranked team, and USF is the second-highest ranked team they've defeated behind No. 15 Missouri in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. The Eagles will now meet South Dakota State (5-2) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday for the championship after the Jackrabbits also defeated Notre Dame and USF over the past two days.
"We beat a very good and well-coached team," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "It was great to see so many people make positive contributions. Nasrin was excellent. Ashli hit all those free throws down the stretch. Ty played great, and players that maybe weren't feeling 100 percent like Phills came in and really battled for us. It was just a great all-around win. To beat a team that good, you have to have a lot of people contributing. I thought Keri had an excellent second half. Whenever we needed a basket or needed to do something, someone stepped up."
USF scored 19 of the game's first 28 points and led by 10 with 2:03 left in the first quarter. In response, Kerstie Phills and Alyssa Blair hit a pair of 3-pointers, and Ashli O'Neal found Tytionia Adderly for a buzzer-beating layup to pull the Eagles within four through the first 10 minutes.
A 3-pointer from Ulel pulled FGCU within one with 7:46 left in the half, but the Bulls pushed their lead back to six twice over the next three minutes. Davion Wingate, who had been held scoreless up to that point, caught fire by sinking a pair of free throws and converting back-to-back layups to pull the Eagles within two. USF converted a layup with 23 seconds left, but Wingate found Ulel for another buzzer-beater, which came via a 3-pointer.
With that shot, Ulel surpassed 1,000 points in the Green and Blue. She ranks 10th on the program's Division I era scoring list with 1,015, just one shy of Courtney Chihil (1,016, 2008-12) for ninth-place. Her milestone marked the third-consecutive game that an Eagle has reached 1,000 points in her NCAA career - joining Jewett-Giles against Saint Francis and Wingate against Notre Dame.
FGCU couldn't seem to gain the lead to open the second half as USF took a five-point lead twice. Adderly, though, changed all that with her second 3-pointer of the game with 5:24 left in the third. Moments later, Adderly found Ulel for another one from long distance to push the lead to five, although the Bulls trimmed their deficit to one entering the fourth.
The Eagles opened the fourth on a 5-0 run, and a trio of free throws and a layup from Jewett-Giles pushed the margin to nine with 6:31 left. The senior guard also hit two key free throws with 1:14 left after USF trimmed its deficit to three.
From there, O'Neal made 5-of-6 from the foul line and drew an offensive foul that wiped out a made 3-pointer from USF that would have pulled the Bulls within three with 26 seconds left. The Eagles then sealed the game at the foul line as USF's last-second layup proved meaningless.
O'Neal finished 7-for-8 from the foul line in the final quarter while drawing five fouls and adding two assists. Wingate (8-for-8) became the 11th player in the program's Division I era to make at least eight free throw attempts without a miss.
Offensively, Ulel (23), Jewett-Giles (19) and Wingate (12) combined for 54 of FGCU's 81 points, while Adderly and O'Neal each added nine. In fact, Adderly had a team-high 10 rebounds along with four assists and two steals while falling just one point shy of her second-consecutive double-double, while Jewett-Giles finished second in rebounds with six. O'Neal had a game-high six assists, and Ulel led the way with three steals.
Notes
Emma List earned her first start of the season.
After getting outrebounded 25-12 in the first half, FGCU responded with an 18-16 advantage in the second half while shooting 10-for-22 from the field, including 5-for-10 from 3-point range with three of those coming from Ulel, who had the second-most field goal attempts in a game in the program's Division I era with 22, falling just shy of Kaneisha Atwater's 24 vs Western Michigan on Dec. 21, 2015.
FGCU is now 3-2 all-time against USF after winning the first neutral site matchup between the two programs. The Eagles have also won two in a row in the series dating back to a home win on Dec. 4, 2013.
South Dakota State defeated Notre Dame 65-59 in the other game of the day.
FGCU WBB vs Notre Dame: Cancun Challenge Day One Recap
Senior Tytionia Adderly produced a season-high 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds as the FGCU women's basketball team (6-1) stunned defending national runner-up Notre Dame (4-3) 69-60 in the opener of the Cancun Challenge on Thursday afternoon in the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.
The Eagles will now face No. 20 USF at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
"That was one of the best games that Ty has ever played," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "She was fantastic - rebounding, defending and looking to score a lot more. It was just a great performance."
Notre Dame had not lost to a mid-major since DePaul handed them a 70-69 loss on Feb. 28, 2011 and likely their biggest upset loss since Northwestern State defeated them on March 24, 1995 in the WNIT. It was the second win of the season for FGCU over a reigning NCAA Tournament participant (UCF) and the program's 17th all-time against a Power 5 school, including its sixth over an ACC team.
redshirt senior Davion Wingate (19), Adderly (16), redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles (12) and senior Nasrin Ulel (11) all scored in double-figures for the Eagles, while 11 of Adderly's 14 rebounds came on the offensive glass. Jewett-Giles led all players with five assists and added four steals, while junior Alyssa Blair also had four steals in her third consecutive start.
Over the game's first few minutes, FGCU struggled to find its shot as the Eagles opened 1-for-11 from the field, which allowed Notre Dame to open up a 9-2 lead. A 3-pointer from Ulel ended the drought, however, and grad student Ashli O'Neal scored five straight off the bench as FGCU went on a 16-0 run over a six-and-a-half-minute stretch that lasted into the second quarter.
The Green and Blue never trailed again, but it wasn't easy. Notre Dame trimmed the deficit to one with 5:24 left in the first half, but Wingate hit back-to-back 3-pointers, and FGCU eventually took a nine-point lead into the break following another 3-pointer from O'Neal, who finished with eight points.
Both teams then combined for 49 points in the third quarter, although FGCU withstood Notre Dame's surge behind two key baskets from Jewett-Giles, who made a layup and a 3-pointer after the Fighting Irish trimmed their deficit to three on a pair of occasions with under three minutes left in the frame.
Redshirt sophomore Tyra Cox then subbed in late in the quarter and banked in a 3-pointer from the right wing to give FGCU a 10-point lead through three. In that crucial quarter, both teams combined to shoot 19-for-30, but FGCU turned it over just once compared to four times for Notre Dame and outscored the Fighting Irish 16-6 in the paint and 5-2 off turnovers.
Following the 3-pointer from Cox, the Eagles concluded a 13-2 run with a straightaway 3-pointer from Ulel with 6:56 left to push the margin to 63-47, their largest of the game.
Notre Dame, however, responded with a 10-0 run as the Green and Blue committed four of its 10 total turnovers over the next four minutes. Wingate answered with back-to-back layups, with the second one on a beautiful pump fake and finish. Adderly then sealed the game from the foul line in the final minute.
"You have to give (Notre Dame) a lot of credit," Smesko said. "They didn't quit and really started attacking us. They were able to score quickly and get back in the game. We did a good job taking care of the ball until the end of the game and then we kind of fumbled it a couple times, which really hurt us. Fortunately, we made plays down the stretch and were able to pull out a very good victory."
Despite the size differential, FGCU outscored Notre Dame 34-26 in the paint and 13-2 in second chance points. They also held a 20-9 advantage in points off turnovers.
Notes:
Adderly fell just one shy of matching her season-high rebound total while tallying double-digits for the fourth time in five games.
With her first of the back-to-back 3-pointers in the second quarter, Wingate joined Jewett-Giles as a member of the 1,000 point club. She now has 1,015 in her NCAA career. Ulel is eight points away from joining the duo.
Thursday's game was the first time Smesko and Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw faced each other. Smesko (3rd, .815) and McGraw (5th, .770) both ranked among the top five winningest active women's basketball coaches in Division I history. Each of them has led their programs to nine-straight 25-win seasons, two of only four teams to do that along with UConn and Baylor.
South Dakota State knocked off No. 20 USF 61-50 in the other game on Thursday.
The Eagles will now face No. 20 USF at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
"That was one of the best games that Ty has ever played," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "She was fantastic - rebounding, defending and looking to score a lot more. It was just a great performance."
Notre Dame had not lost to a mid-major since DePaul handed them a 70-69 loss on Feb. 28, 2011 and likely their biggest upset loss since Northwestern State defeated them on March 24, 1995 in the WNIT. It was the second win of the season for FGCU over a reigning NCAA Tournament participant (UCF) and the program's 17th all-time against a Power 5 school, including its sixth over an ACC team.
redshirt senior Davion Wingate (19), Adderly (16), redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles (12) and senior Nasrin Ulel (11) all scored in double-figures for the Eagles, while 11 of Adderly's 14 rebounds came on the offensive glass. Jewett-Giles led all players with five assists and added four steals, while junior Alyssa Blair also had four steals in her third consecutive start.
Over the game's first few minutes, FGCU struggled to find its shot as the Eagles opened 1-for-11 from the field, which allowed Notre Dame to open up a 9-2 lead. A 3-pointer from Ulel ended the drought, however, and grad student Ashli O'Neal scored five straight off the bench as FGCU went on a 16-0 run over a six-and-a-half-minute stretch that lasted into the second quarter.
The Green and Blue never trailed again, but it wasn't easy. Notre Dame trimmed the deficit to one with 5:24 left in the first half, but Wingate hit back-to-back 3-pointers, and FGCU eventually took a nine-point lead into the break following another 3-pointer from O'Neal, who finished with eight points.
Both teams then combined for 49 points in the third quarter, although FGCU withstood Notre Dame's surge behind two key baskets from Jewett-Giles, who made a layup and a 3-pointer after the Fighting Irish trimmed their deficit to three on a pair of occasions with under three minutes left in the frame.
Redshirt sophomore Tyra Cox then subbed in late in the quarter and banked in a 3-pointer from the right wing to give FGCU a 10-point lead through three. In that crucial quarter, both teams combined to shoot 19-for-30, but FGCU turned it over just once compared to four times for Notre Dame and outscored the Fighting Irish 16-6 in the paint and 5-2 off turnovers.
Following the 3-pointer from Cox, the Eagles concluded a 13-2 run with a straightaway 3-pointer from Ulel with 6:56 left to push the margin to 63-47, their largest of the game.
Notre Dame, however, responded with a 10-0 run as the Green and Blue committed four of its 10 total turnovers over the next four minutes. Wingate answered with back-to-back layups, with the second one on a beautiful pump fake and finish. Adderly then sealed the game from the foul line in the final minute.
"You have to give (Notre Dame) a lot of credit," Smesko said. "They didn't quit and really started attacking us. They were able to score quickly and get back in the game. We did a good job taking care of the ball until the end of the game and then we kind of fumbled it a couple times, which really hurt us. Fortunately, we made plays down the stretch and were able to pull out a very good victory."
Despite the size differential, FGCU outscored Notre Dame 34-26 in the paint and 13-2 in second chance points. They also held a 20-9 advantage in points off turnovers.
Notes:
Adderly fell just one shy of matching her season-high rebound total while tallying double-digits for the fourth time in five games.
With her first of the back-to-back 3-pointers in the second quarter, Wingate joined Jewett-Giles as a member of the 1,000 point club. She now has 1,015 in her NCAA career. Ulel is eight points away from joining the duo.
Thursday's game was the first time Smesko and Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw faced each other. Smesko (3rd, .815) and McGraw (5th, .770) both ranked among the top five winningest active women's basketball coaches in Division I history. Each of them has led their programs to nine-straight 25-win seasons, two of only four teams to do that along with UConn and Baylor.
South Dakota State knocked off No. 20 USF 61-50 in the other game on Thursday.
FGCU WBB: Cancun Challenge Preview
The FGCU women's basketball team (5-1) will face tough competition this week in the Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya Hotel.
The Eagles are slated for a Thanksgiving Day meeting with defending national runner-up Notre Dame (4-2) before facing No. 20 USF (5-1) on Friday and defending Sweet 16 participant South Dakota State (3-2) on Saturday with all three games at 1:30 p.m. ET. FGCU's game against Florida Memorial on Dec. 9 in Alico Arena will also be considered part of the event.
Cancun Challenge:
The 15th edition of the Cancun Challenge features 10 teams in two groups:
Mayan - FGCU, Notre Dame, South Dakota State and South Florida
Riviera - Creighton, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Temple and West Virginia
The games will take place in the modified ballroom of the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in a setting where teams and fans can walk from their rooms to the restaurants to the games.
The full schedule is as follows, with all game times being in the Eastern time zone and the home teams being listed second.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Mayan Tournament
South Dakota State vs. South Florida, 11 a.m.
FGCU vs. Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.
Riviera Tournament
Missouri vs. New Mexico, 4 p.m.
West Virginia vs. Creighton, 6 :30 p.m.
Temple vs. North Carolina, 9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 29
Mayan Tournament
Notre Dame vs. South Dakota State, 11 a.m.
South Florida vs. FGCU, 1:30 p.m.
Riviera Tournament
New Mexico vs. West Virginia, 4 p.m.
North Carolina vs. Missouri, 6:30 p.m.
Creighton vs. Temple, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Mayan Tournament
South Florida vs. Notre Dame, 11 a.m.
South Dakota State vs. FGCU, 1:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9
Florida Memorial vs FGCU, 7 p.m.
In-Depth:
The Notre Dame matchup is an intriguing one for several reasons. It will be the first time Karl Smesko and Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw have faced each other. McGraw (2nd, .853) and Smesko (3rd, .815) both rank among the top three winningest women's basketball coaches in Division I history. The duo has combined for 1,109 career victories. Furthermore, each of them has led their programs to nine-straight 25-win seasons, two of only four teams to do that along with UConn and Baylor.
FGCU, meanwhile, owns a 2-2 record all-time against USF with the home team winning each game, although the teams haven't faced each other since the Eagles produced a 60-55 win in Alico Arena on Dec. 4, 2013. Current WNBA star Courtney Williams of the Connecticut Sun scored seven points in that game for USF. This will be the first neutral site matchup in the history of the series. The Eagles are 3-14 all-time against ranked teams at the Division I level - although they're 3-4 in the last seven of those.
South Dakota State, meanwhile, knocked off FGCU 80-62 in Brookings, S.D. last year in the season opener for the Eagles, who own a 2-1 record all-time against the Jackrabbits. Interestingly, the Green and Blue has defeated South Dakota State in Mexico once already - 84-59 on Nov. 29, 2013 in Puerto Vallarta.
FGCU vs. Power-5:
The Notre Dame game will be the first of at least three Power-5 matchups for the Green and Blue in 2019-20, including two in Alico Arena - LSU on Dec. 19 and Duke on Dec. 29. The Eagles are 16-27 all-time in 43 games against such schools.
Power 5 history by location
10-3 in Alico Arena
5-11 in neutral site matchups
1-13 in true road matchups
Power 5 history by conference
5-7 vs SEC
5-10 vs ACC
4-5 vs B1G
1-2 vs Big 12
1-3 vs Pac 12
Power 5 history game-by-game
*11/09/07 - L 93-53 vs No. 19/19 Florida State (Fort Myers, Fla.)
12/04/07 - L 78-52 @ Florida (Gainesville, Fla.)
#03/24/08 - L 60-55 @ Florida (Gainesville, Fla.)
11/14/08 - W 88-86 vs Florida (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/16/08 - L 81-62 @ No. 21/24 Florida State (Tallahassee, Fla.)
11/21/09 - L 58-48 @ Georgia Tech (Atlanta, Ga.)
12/13/09 - L 94-71 @ No. 21/24 Michigan State (East Lansing, Mich.)
#03/18/10 - L 70-57 @ Miami (Coral Gables, Fla.)
11/25/10 - W 73-65 vs Virginia Tech (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
12/21/10 - W 73-69 vs Indiana (Fort Myers, Fla.)
#03/21/11 - L 74-69 vs Florida (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/19/11 - W 59-58 vs Michigan State (Fort Myers, Fla.)
12/21/11 - W 69-41 vs Virginia Tech (Fort Myers, Fla.)
12/28/11 - L 69-64 vs NC State (Honolulu, Hawaii)
11/23/12 - L 65-46 vs South Carolina (U.S. Virgin Islands)
12/16/12 - W 63-56 @ Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Va.)
12/28/12 - W 76-70 vs LSU (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/26/13 - L 68-47 vs TCU (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
11/27/13 - L 83-59 vs No. 6/5 Stanford (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
12/17/13 - L 69-46 @ No. 12/12 LSU (Baton Rouge, La.)
12/21/13 - L 85-56 vs Virginia (Fort Myers, Fla.)
^03/22/14 - L 61-60 (OT) vs Oklahoma State (West Lafayette, Ind.)
11/20/14 - L 72-69 @ Auburn (Auburn, Ala.)
11/28/14 - W 86-61 vs Clemson (U.S. Virgin Islands)
11/29/14 - L 90-83 (2 OT) vs Ohio State (U.S. Virgin Islands)
^03/21/15 - W 75-67 vs Oklahoma State (Tallahassee, Fla.)
^03/23/15 - L 65-47 @ Florida State (Tallahassee, Fla.)
12/19/15 - L 65-60 vs No. 9/9 Mississippi State (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
12/20/15 - W 57-55 vs Arizona (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
12/30/15 - W 52-45 vs Auburn (Fort Myers, Fla.)
#03/21/16 - W 67-48 vs Wake Forest (Fort Myers, Fla.)
#03/31/16 - W 71-62 vs Michigan (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/25/16 - L 79-66 vs No. 8/8 Ohio State (Estero, Fla.)
12/17/16 - L 82-73 @ Illinois (Champaign, Ill.)
^03/18/17 - L 62-60 @ Miami (Coral Gables, Fla.)
11/12/17 - W 85-61 vs Illinois (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/24/17 - L 104-62 vs No. 9/8 Ohio State (Las Vegas, Nev.)
12/08/17 - W 70-64 vs No. 20/23 Kentucky (Fort Myers, Fla.)
^03/17/18 - W 80-70 vs No. 17/15 Missouri (Stanford, Calif.)
^03/19/18 - L 90-70 @ No. 15/19 Stanford (Stanford, Calif.)
11/23/18 - L 88-65 vs No. 8/7 Stanford (Honolulu, Hawaii)
12/30/18 - L 57-41 @ Duke (Durham, N.C.)
^03/22/19 - L 69-62 @ Miami (Coral Gables, Fla.)
*FGCU's Division-I debut
^ NCAA Tournament
#WNIT
Road Trippin' with the Green and Blue:
Over the past 10 seasons, FGCU has hit the road to face big-name opponents and tough competition nine times - in addition to hosting the Gulf Coast Showcase in November 2016. This is the team's third trip to Mexico, including the Hardwood Tournament of Hope in Puerto Vallarta in 2013-14 and the Caribbean Challenge in Riviera Maya in 2010-11.
2010-11 - Caribbean Challenge (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
2011-12 - Rainbow Wahine Invitational (Honolulu, Hawaii)
2012-13 - U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (U.S. Virgin Islands)
2013-14 - Hardwood Tournament of Hope (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
2014-15 - U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (U.S. Virgin Islands)
2015-16 - Puerto Rico Classic (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
2016-17 - Gulf Coast Showcase (Estero, Fla.)
2017-18 - Play4Kay Shootout (Las Vegas, Nevada)
2018-19 - Rainbow Wahine Showdown (Honolulu, Hawaii)
2019-20 - Cancun Challenge (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
Rebounding Legend:
Senior forward Tytionia Adderly pulled down 21 rebounds over two games last week to break Sarah Hansen's (887, 2010-14) career record among players to wear the Green and Blue. She pushed her total to 905 and is now attempting to become the first player in program history with 1,000 rebounds, which would also make her only the 12th in ASUN history to achieve that milestone. She currently ranks 17th in conference history and is 27 away from surpassing Tamika Coley (UCF, 1993-96, 931) for 16th.
Jewett-Giles reaches 1,000, others looking to join her:
With a 3-pointer late in the second half against Saint Francis, Keri Jewett-Giles eclipsed 1,000 points in her NCAA career, which includes 499 in the Green and Blue. Meanwhile, three others are looking to join her this season, including Davion Wingate (996), Nasrin Ulel (981) and Ashli O'Neal (901).
Should all four reach the milestone, it would give FGCU four players on the roster that scored at least 1,000 points in their NCAA career for the first time since the 2015-16 season - Whitney Knight (1,574), Kaneisha Atwater (1,498), Taylor Gradinjan (1,234) and Stephanie Haas (1,138). However, it would be the first season in program history in which four players reached 1,000 points in the same year.
O'Neal wins ASUN newcomer of the week award:
On Tuesday, graduate transfer guard Ashli O'Neal was named the ASUN's newcomer of the week following her season-best 20-point performance off the bench in the team's win over Saint Francis. She tied her career-high with five 3-point field goals in 10 attempts. In doing so, she became the first Eagle this year to win a weekly award from the conference.
Livestats Links: http://cancuntournament.sidearmsports.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary
Livestream Link: https://www.flohoops.com/signup?redirect=%2Flive%2F12024-2019-women-s-cancun-challenge&utm_campaign=43193womenscancun&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=participatingschools&utm_content=participatingschools&rtid=43193&coverage_id=6356495
Audio Links:
vs Notre Dame: https://und.com/wbb-live-radio-broadcast/
vs USF: https://www.iheart.com/live/usf-bulls-unlimited-7424/
vs South Dakota State: https://gojacks.com/watch/?Live=2775&type=Live
The Eagles are slated for a Thanksgiving Day meeting with defending national runner-up Notre Dame (4-2) before facing No. 20 USF (5-1) on Friday and defending Sweet 16 participant South Dakota State (3-2) on Saturday with all three games at 1:30 p.m. ET. FGCU's game against Florida Memorial on Dec. 9 in Alico Arena will also be considered part of the event.
Cancun Challenge:
The 15th edition of the Cancun Challenge features 10 teams in two groups:
Mayan - FGCU, Notre Dame, South Dakota State and South Florida
Riviera - Creighton, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Temple and West Virginia
The games will take place in the modified ballroom of the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in a setting where teams and fans can walk from their rooms to the restaurants to the games.
The full schedule is as follows, with all game times being in the Eastern time zone and the home teams being listed second.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Mayan Tournament
South Dakota State vs. South Florida, 11 a.m.
FGCU vs. Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.
Riviera Tournament
Missouri vs. New Mexico, 4 p.m.
West Virginia vs. Creighton, 6 :30 p.m.
Temple vs. North Carolina, 9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 29
Mayan Tournament
Notre Dame vs. South Dakota State, 11 a.m.
South Florida vs. FGCU, 1:30 p.m.
Riviera Tournament
New Mexico vs. West Virginia, 4 p.m.
North Carolina vs. Missouri, 6:30 p.m.
Creighton vs. Temple, 9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Mayan Tournament
South Florida vs. Notre Dame, 11 a.m.
South Dakota State vs. FGCU, 1:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9
Florida Memorial vs FGCU, 7 p.m.
In-Depth:
The Notre Dame matchup is an intriguing one for several reasons. It will be the first time Karl Smesko and Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw have faced each other. McGraw (2nd, .853) and Smesko (3rd, .815) both rank among the top three winningest women's basketball coaches in Division I history. The duo has combined for 1,109 career victories. Furthermore, each of them has led their programs to nine-straight 25-win seasons, two of only four teams to do that along with UConn and Baylor.
FGCU, meanwhile, owns a 2-2 record all-time against USF with the home team winning each game, although the teams haven't faced each other since the Eagles produced a 60-55 win in Alico Arena on Dec. 4, 2013. Current WNBA star Courtney Williams of the Connecticut Sun scored seven points in that game for USF. This will be the first neutral site matchup in the history of the series. The Eagles are 3-14 all-time against ranked teams at the Division I level - although they're 3-4 in the last seven of those.
South Dakota State, meanwhile, knocked off FGCU 80-62 in Brookings, S.D. last year in the season opener for the Eagles, who own a 2-1 record all-time against the Jackrabbits. Interestingly, the Green and Blue has defeated South Dakota State in Mexico once already - 84-59 on Nov. 29, 2013 in Puerto Vallarta.
FGCU vs. Power-5:
The Notre Dame game will be the first of at least three Power-5 matchups for the Green and Blue in 2019-20, including two in Alico Arena - LSU on Dec. 19 and Duke on Dec. 29. The Eagles are 16-27 all-time in 43 games against such schools.
Power 5 history by location
10-3 in Alico Arena
5-11 in neutral site matchups
1-13 in true road matchups
Power 5 history by conference
5-7 vs SEC
5-10 vs ACC
4-5 vs B1G
1-2 vs Big 12
1-3 vs Pac 12
Power 5 history game-by-game
*11/09/07 - L 93-53 vs No. 19/19 Florida State (Fort Myers, Fla.)
12/04/07 - L 78-52 @ Florida (Gainesville, Fla.)
#03/24/08 - L 60-55 @ Florida (Gainesville, Fla.)
11/14/08 - W 88-86 vs Florida (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/16/08 - L 81-62 @ No. 21/24 Florida State (Tallahassee, Fla.)
11/21/09 - L 58-48 @ Georgia Tech (Atlanta, Ga.)
12/13/09 - L 94-71 @ No. 21/24 Michigan State (East Lansing, Mich.)
#03/18/10 - L 70-57 @ Miami (Coral Gables, Fla.)
11/25/10 - W 73-65 vs Virginia Tech (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
12/21/10 - W 73-69 vs Indiana (Fort Myers, Fla.)
#03/21/11 - L 74-69 vs Florida (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/19/11 - W 59-58 vs Michigan State (Fort Myers, Fla.)
12/21/11 - W 69-41 vs Virginia Tech (Fort Myers, Fla.)
12/28/11 - L 69-64 vs NC State (Honolulu, Hawaii)
11/23/12 - L 65-46 vs South Carolina (U.S. Virgin Islands)
12/16/12 - W 63-56 @ Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Va.)
12/28/12 - W 76-70 vs LSU (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/26/13 - L 68-47 vs TCU (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
11/27/13 - L 83-59 vs No. 6/5 Stanford (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
12/17/13 - L 69-46 @ No. 12/12 LSU (Baton Rouge, La.)
12/21/13 - L 85-56 vs Virginia (Fort Myers, Fla.)
^03/22/14 - L 61-60 (OT) vs Oklahoma State (West Lafayette, Ind.)
11/20/14 - L 72-69 @ Auburn (Auburn, Ala.)
11/28/14 - W 86-61 vs Clemson (U.S. Virgin Islands)
11/29/14 - L 90-83 (2 OT) vs Ohio State (U.S. Virgin Islands)
^03/21/15 - W 75-67 vs Oklahoma State (Tallahassee, Fla.)
^03/23/15 - L 65-47 @ Florida State (Tallahassee, Fla.)
12/19/15 - L 65-60 vs No. 9/9 Mississippi State (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
12/20/15 - W 57-55 vs Arizona (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
12/30/15 - W 52-45 vs Auburn (Fort Myers, Fla.)
#03/21/16 - W 67-48 vs Wake Forest (Fort Myers, Fla.)
#03/31/16 - W 71-62 vs Michigan (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/25/16 - L 79-66 vs No. 8/8 Ohio State (Estero, Fla.)
12/17/16 - L 82-73 @ Illinois (Champaign, Ill.)
^03/18/17 - L 62-60 @ Miami (Coral Gables, Fla.)
11/12/17 - W 85-61 vs Illinois (Fort Myers, Fla.)
11/24/17 - L 104-62 vs No. 9/8 Ohio State (Las Vegas, Nev.)
12/08/17 - W 70-64 vs No. 20/23 Kentucky (Fort Myers, Fla.)
^03/17/18 - W 80-70 vs No. 17/15 Missouri (Stanford, Calif.)
^03/19/18 - L 90-70 @ No. 15/19 Stanford (Stanford, Calif.)
11/23/18 - L 88-65 vs No. 8/7 Stanford (Honolulu, Hawaii)
12/30/18 - L 57-41 @ Duke (Durham, N.C.)
^03/22/19 - L 69-62 @ Miami (Coral Gables, Fla.)
*FGCU's Division-I debut
^ NCAA Tournament
#WNIT
Road Trippin' with the Green and Blue:
Over the past 10 seasons, FGCU has hit the road to face big-name opponents and tough competition nine times - in addition to hosting the Gulf Coast Showcase in November 2016. This is the team's third trip to Mexico, including the Hardwood Tournament of Hope in Puerto Vallarta in 2013-14 and the Caribbean Challenge in Riviera Maya in 2010-11.
2010-11 - Caribbean Challenge (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
2011-12 - Rainbow Wahine Invitational (Honolulu, Hawaii)
2012-13 - U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (U.S. Virgin Islands)
2013-14 - Hardwood Tournament of Hope (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
2014-15 - U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (U.S. Virgin Islands)
2015-16 - Puerto Rico Classic (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
2016-17 - Gulf Coast Showcase (Estero, Fla.)
2017-18 - Play4Kay Shootout (Las Vegas, Nevada)
2018-19 - Rainbow Wahine Showdown (Honolulu, Hawaii)
2019-20 - Cancun Challenge (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
Rebounding Legend:
Senior forward Tytionia Adderly pulled down 21 rebounds over two games last week to break Sarah Hansen's (887, 2010-14) career record among players to wear the Green and Blue. She pushed her total to 905 and is now attempting to become the first player in program history with 1,000 rebounds, which would also make her only the 12th in ASUN history to achieve that milestone. She currently ranks 17th in conference history and is 27 away from surpassing Tamika Coley (UCF, 1993-96, 931) for 16th.
Jewett-Giles reaches 1,000, others looking to join her:
With a 3-pointer late in the second half against Saint Francis, Keri Jewett-Giles eclipsed 1,000 points in her NCAA career, which includes 499 in the Green and Blue. Meanwhile, three others are looking to join her this season, including Davion Wingate (996), Nasrin Ulel (981) and Ashli O'Neal (901).
Should all four reach the milestone, it would give FGCU four players on the roster that scored at least 1,000 points in their NCAA career for the first time since the 2015-16 season - Whitney Knight (1,574), Kaneisha Atwater (1,498), Taylor Gradinjan (1,234) and Stephanie Haas (1,138). However, it would be the first season in program history in which four players reached 1,000 points in the same year.
O'Neal wins ASUN newcomer of the week award:
On Tuesday, graduate transfer guard Ashli O'Neal was named the ASUN's newcomer of the week following her season-best 20-point performance off the bench in the team's win over Saint Francis. She tied her career-high with five 3-point field goals in 10 attempts. In doing so, she became the first Eagle this year to win a weekly award from the conference.
Livestats Links: http://cancuntournament.sidearmsports.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary
Livestream Link: https://www.flohoops.com/signup?redirect=%2Flive%2F12024-2019-women-s-cancun-challenge&utm_campaign=43193womenscancun&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=participatingschools&utm_content=participatingschools&rtid=43193&coverage_id=6356495
Audio Links:
vs Notre Dame: https://und.com/wbb-live-radio-broadcast/
vs USF: https://www.iheart.com/live/usf-bulls-unlimited-7424/
vs South Dakota State: https://gojacks.com/watch/?Live=2775&type=Live
FGCU MBB vs Florida Tech Recap
Behind 18 points from both junior Sam Gagliardi and freshman Dakota Rivers, the FGCU men's basketball team (2-5) rolled past Florida Tech, 73-59, on Tuesday night at Alico Arena. The 18 points for both players were season-highs with Gagliardi hitting six three pointers and Rivers going 7-of-10 from the floor.
The game marked the opening contest of the Hilton Garden Inn FGCU Classic which will resume with six more games from Friday through Sunday. The Eagles will next be in action on Friday at 7 PM against North Dakota. Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to benefit the FGCU and Harry Chapin Food Banks along with new, unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots and Golisano's Childrens Hospital.
Friday, Nov. 29
Campbell vs. Georgia Southern - 4:30 PM
FGCU vs. North Dakota - 7 PM
Saturday, Nov. 30
Georgia Southern vs. North Dakota - 4:30 PM
FGCU vs. Campbell - 7 PM
Sunday, Dec. 1
North Dakota vs. Campbell - Noon
FGCU vs. Georgia Southern - 5 PM
In Tuesday night's action, Gagliardi's six three pointers marked a season high as the junior has averaged 11.0 points over the last four games including tonight. In that same span, Rivers has also had a break-out stretch with three double-figure games and an average of 11.5 points. Nine players overall tallied points in the game including redshirt sophomore Malik Hardy who saw his first action as an Eagle recording five points in 13 minutes. Junior Justus Rainwater hauled in a season-high 12 rebounds which also served as a game-high.
"I thought Florida Tech did a great job being competitive against us tonight," said head coach Michael Fly. "We still need to improve on closing games out, especially when we have a double-digit lead. But I was encouraged that we out-rebounded them because they had some physical players and I was extremely pleased that we took care of the ball and had just 12 turnovers. We showed a lot of positives in the game and it's always good to get a win, especially at home. We still have some growth to see in certain areas, but I was happy overall with how we performed."
Sesan Russell led Florida Tech with 23 points as the top scorer on the night while adding nine rebounds. Mate Papai added nine points, while Trey Schaneville had eight points to lead the Panthers (2-3).
Overall, FGCU was bolstered by going 12-of-26 from beyond the arc compared to 6-of-18 for Florida Tech. The Eagles also converted 22 points off 17 FIT turnovers.
FGCU built out an early 13-2 lead in the first four minutes of play thanks to a pair of sophomore Zach Scott three pointers and the first of six for Gagliardi. Over the next six minutes, the Eagles lead stretched to 16 before going into the break up 42-24 on a Jalen Warren lay-up just before time expired.
The lead swelled to 19, 45-26, early in the second half on another Gagliardi three pointer and never dipped below double-figures for the remainder of the game. Florida Tech did manage to whittle it down to 57-47 with 9:40 to go, but the Eagles pushed it back to 19 over the next seven minutes.
The game marked the opening contest of the Hilton Garden Inn FGCU Classic which will resume with six more games from Friday through Sunday. The Eagles will next be in action on Friday at 7 PM against North Dakota. Fans are encouraged to bring canned food items to benefit the FGCU and Harry Chapin Food Banks along with new, unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots and Golisano's Childrens Hospital.
Friday, Nov. 29
Campbell vs. Georgia Southern - 4:30 PM
FGCU vs. North Dakota - 7 PM
Saturday, Nov. 30
Georgia Southern vs. North Dakota - 4:30 PM
FGCU vs. Campbell - 7 PM
Sunday, Dec. 1
North Dakota vs. Campbell - Noon
FGCU vs. Georgia Southern - 5 PM
In Tuesday night's action, Gagliardi's six three pointers marked a season high as the junior has averaged 11.0 points over the last four games including tonight. In that same span, Rivers has also had a break-out stretch with three double-figure games and an average of 11.5 points. Nine players overall tallied points in the game including redshirt sophomore Malik Hardy who saw his first action as an Eagle recording five points in 13 minutes. Junior Justus Rainwater hauled in a season-high 12 rebounds which also served as a game-high.
"I thought Florida Tech did a great job being competitive against us tonight," said head coach Michael Fly. "We still need to improve on closing games out, especially when we have a double-digit lead. But I was encouraged that we out-rebounded them because they had some physical players and I was extremely pleased that we took care of the ball and had just 12 turnovers. We showed a lot of positives in the game and it's always good to get a win, especially at home. We still have some growth to see in certain areas, but I was happy overall with how we performed."
Sesan Russell led Florida Tech with 23 points as the top scorer on the night while adding nine rebounds. Mate Papai added nine points, while Trey Schaneville had eight points to lead the Panthers (2-3).
Overall, FGCU was bolstered by going 12-of-26 from beyond the arc compared to 6-of-18 for Florida Tech. The Eagles also converted 22 points off 17 FIT turnovers.
FGCU built out an early 13-2 lead in the first four minutes of play thanks to a pair of sophomore Zach Scott three pointers and the first of six for Gagliardi. Over the next six minutes, the Eagles lead stretched to 16 before going into the break up 42-24 on a Jalen Warren lay-up just before time expired.
The lead swelled to 19, 45-26, early in the second half on another Gagliardi three pointer and never dipped below double-figures for the remainder of the game. Florida Tech did manage to whittle it down to 57-47 with 9:40 to go, but the Eagles pushed it back to 19 over the next seven minutes.
FGCU MBB vs Florida Tech Preview
After a tough night offensively in a 78-48 loss at No. 19 VCU, one of the top defenses in the Atlantic 10, the FGCU men's basketball team returns to action on Tuesday night as Florida Tech visits Alico Arena. The game is set for a 7 PM tip and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The game will be a White Out with a 'FansGiving' promotion. There will also be a Food Drive by the Department of Athletics collecting non-perishable items to be donated to the FGCU Food Pantry and the Harry Chapin Food Bank as part of #FeedFGCU which helps provide resources for those in need - particularly around the holidays. This Friday, Nov. 29, FGCU will also be accepting toy donations through Dec. 21 to benefit the Golisano Children's Hospital and Toys For Tots.
The match-up with Florida Tech will be the seventh meeting all-time with the Eagles holding a 6-0 record in the series. It will also mark the beginning of the Hilton Garden Inn FGCU Classic this week with games against North Dakota, Campbell and Georgia Southern set for Friday (7 PM), Saturday (7 PM) and Sunday (5 PM).
The FGCU Classic will also feature non-conference games during the Thanksgiving weekend. On Friday, Campbell will face Georgia Southern at 4:30 PM, while Saturday will see North Dakota take on Georgia Southern. North Dakota and Campbell will then play on Sunday at Noon.
In Saturday's loss at No. 19 VCU, the Rams defense was the key to the game converting 27 FGCU turnovers into 37 points. A 20-2 run by VCU closed out the first half. The Eagles made strides to cut into the lead in the second half, but were unable to bridge the gap.
FGCU's opening stretch of road games to begin the year has racked up the frequent flyer mileage. The Eagles have traveled to the Midwest, covered nearly 95 percent of the Eastern Seaboard with the trip to Dartmouth and still have a cross country flight (2,650 miles) to USC later this season. The trip to Mercer was the shortest (510 miles), while the Eagles trip to Richmond to face VCU was 928 miles.
Sophomore Zach Scott continues to lead the Eagles with a career-best 14.0 points per game with Catto just behind with 12.7 points per outing - also a career-best mark. After leading the way in the win over FAU, Warren is now averaging 9.7 points per game which is third-best on the team.
After a slow start to the year, freshman Dakota Rivers had a breakout stretch in the Mercer and FAU games where he averaged 12 points after scoring seven total in the first three contests. Junior Sam Gagliardi averaged 10.5 points in those two games as well thanks to a combined 7-of-17 shooting from deep. Gagliardi opened the first three games going 3-of-16 and averaging 4.3 per game.
Of the five loses, UMBC and Dartmouth were by a combined 10 points with the Eagles in a spot to lead or tie the game late. In each of those games, FGCU played solid defensively overall holding each team to a combined 34.8 percent from the floor which would have ranked 37th nationally going into the Mercer game.
Florida Tech is 2-3 on the year after wins over Johnson and Puerto Rico-Bayamon before taking a loss at Saint Leo on Saturday night.
Sesan Russell leads the Panthers with 25.0 points per game followed by 14.4 per night from Runako Ziegler. Mehil Noble rounds out the top scorers with 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per night.
Livestats Link: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=285699
ESPN+ Link: https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=f412cda3-6e61-45c0-a910-034feb8949c8
The game will be a White Out with a 'FansGiving' promotion. There will also be a Food Drive by the Department of Athletics collecting non-perishable items to be donated to the FGCU Food Pantry and the Harry Chapin Food Bank as part of #FeedFGCU which helps provide resources for those in need - particularly around the holidays. This Friday, Nov. 29, FGCU will also be accepting toy donations through Dec. 21 to benefit the Golisano Children's Hospital and Toys For Tots.
The match-up with Florida Tech will be the seventh meeting all-time with the Eagles holding a 6-0 record in the series. It will also mark the beginning of the Hilton Garden Inn FGCU Classic this week with games against North Dakota, Campbell and Georgia Southern set for Friday (7 PM), Saturday (7 PM) and Sunday (5 PM).
The FGCU Classic will also feature non-conference games during the Thanksgiving weekend. On Friday, Campbell will face Georgia Southern at 4:30 PM, while Saturday will see North Dakota take on Georgia Southern. North Dakota and Campbell will then play on Sunday at Noon.
In Saturday's loss at No. 19 VCU, the Rams defense was the key to the game converting 27 FGCU turnovers into 37 points. A 20-2 run by VCU closed out the first half. The Eagles made strides to cut into the lead in the second half, but were unable to bridge the gap.
FGCU's opening stretch of road games to begin the year has racked up the frequent flyer mileage. The Eagles have traveled to the Midwest, covered nearly 95 percent of the Eastern Seaboard with the trip to Dartmouth and still have a cross country flight (2,650 miles) to USC later this season. The trip to Mercer was the shortest (510 miles), while the Eagles trip to Richmond to face VCU was 928 miles.
Sophomore Zach Scott continues to lead the Eagles with a career-best 14.0 points per game with Catto just behind with 12.7 points per outing - also a career-best mark. After leading the way in the win over FAU, Warren is now averaging 9.7 points per game which is third-best on the team.
After a slow start to the year, freshman Dakota Rivers had a breakout stretch in the Mercer and FAU games where he averaged 12 points after scoring seven total in the first three contests. Junior Sam Gagliardi averaged 10.5 points in those two games as well thanks to a combined 7-of-17 shooting from deep. Gagliardi opened the first three games going 3-of-16 and averaging 4.3 per game.
Of the five loses, UMBC and Dartmouth were by a combined 10 points with the Eagles in a spot to lead or tie the game late. In each of those games, FGCU played solid defensively overall holding each team to a combined 34.8 percent from the floor which would have ranked 37th nationally going into the Mercer game.
Florida Tech is 2-3 on the year after wins over Johnson and Puerto Rico-Bayamon before taking a loss at Saint Leo on Saturday night.
Sesan Russell leads the Panthers with 25.0 points per game followed by 14.4 per night from Runako Ziegler. Mehil Noble rounds out the top scorers with 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per night.
Livestats Link: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=285699
ESPN+ Link: https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=f412cda3-6e61-45c0-a910-034feb8949c8
FGCU S&D: Phill Hansel Invitational Day Three Recap
After the final day of competition at the Phill Hansel Invitational, FGCU swimming & diving (6-4, 4-0 CCSA) earned a ninth-place finish among the 13-team field. Day three of the invitational was highlighted by junior Petra Halmai's record-setting performance in the 200 Breast; Halmai's time of 2:10.86 eclipsed the previous school record, held by her, of 2:11.21. That time also stands as a new CCSA Conference record.
"What an incredible final session for our team," head coach Dave Rollins said. "Petra setting the school record in the 200 Breast was a big surprise, as she has her Olympic qualifying meet in a couple of weeks. Ultimately, the relay DQ and our lack of platform experience cost us in the team standings. However, the team did an incredible job competing and walking away with new season and lifetime bests. We are starting to see the potential of our program and are setting up well for CCSAs."
In addition to Halmai's heroics, the Eagles were represented by seven different athletes in today's finals.
Freshman Michaela Sizemore and classmate Hannah VanDress tallied a combined 20 points in the 1650-yard freestyle, finishing within one second of each other at 16th and 17th, respectively. Sizemore's 17:19.86 was good for a season-best.
In the 200 Back finals, FGCU was also represented by a pair of Eagles, as senior Elizabeth Zeiger and freshman Julia Rodriguez collected points for the team. Zeiger earned a 15th-place finish, while Rodriguez swam a season-best 2:03.73 en route to finishing 21st.
Sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka built on the strong performances she has posted throughout the invite, claiming fifth in the 100 Free. Earlier in the day, she notched a personal best in the prelims after swimming a 50.01. She was just 0.02 second off of that pace in the final.
The 200 Breast event saw a trio of Eagles qualify for the finals. Halmai's record-setting performance was good for second place overall, while freshman Anna Hogan and senior Elizabeth White finished 21st and 23rd, respectively.
Halmia and Rodriguez scored the final points of the invitational for the Green and Blue, as the pair combined for 39 points in the 200 Fly. Halmai earned another second-place finish after swimming a 1:59.35 in the final. Rodriguez' 2:07.69 was good for 16th.
Excluding the teams that brought just diving, the Eagles would have earned a sixth-place finish among the highly-competitive 13-team field. The Houston Cougars, who hosted the invitational, finished the weekend atop the final team standings.
Team Standings:
1. Houston – 1,737 points
2. Rice – 1,144 points
3. Washington State – 913 points
4. Tulane – 716 points
5. University of Nevada – 699 points
6. UC Davis – 621 points
7. Colorado State – 614 points
8. Air Force – 568 points
9. FGCU – 554 points
10. Northern Colorado – 403 points
11. North Texas – 81 points
12. New Mexico – 8 points
13. University of Nebraska Omaha – 2 points
Up Next:
The Phill Hansel Invitational concluded the 2019 competition slate for the Eagles, who will have a break before returning to action on Saturday, Jan. 4. That day, FGCU is set to host Tulane, Illinois State and conference rival Liberty in a noon meet at the FGCU Aquatics Complex.
"What an incredible final session for our team," head coach Dave Rollins said. "Petra setting the school record in the 200 Breast was a big surprise, as she has her Olympic qualifying meet in a couple of weeks. Ultimately, the relay DQ and our lack of platform experience cost us in the team standings. However, the team did an incredible job competing and walking away with new season and lifetime bests. We are starting to see the potential of our program and are setting up well for CCSAs."
In addition to Halmai's heroics, the Eagles were represented by seven different athletes in today's finals.
Freshman Michaela Sizemore and classmate Hannah VanDress tallied a combined 20 points in the 1650-yard freestyle, finishing within one second of each other at 16th and 17th, respectively. Sizemore's 17:19.86 was good for a season-best.
In the 200 Back finals, FGCU was also represented by a pair of Eagles, as senior Elizabeth Zeiger and freshman Julia Rodriguez collected points for the team. Zeiger earned a 15th-place finish, while Rodriguez swam a season-best 2:03.73 en route to finishing 21st.
Sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka built on the strong performances she has posted throughout the invite, claiming fifth in the 100 Free. Earlier in the day, she notched a personal best in the prelims after swimming a 50.01. She was just 0.02 second off of that pace in the final.
The 200 Breast event saw a trio of Eagles qualify for the finals. Halmai's record-setting performance was good for second place overall, while freshman Anna Hogan and senior Elizabeth White finished 21st and 23rd, respectively.
Halmia and Rodriguez scored the final points of the invitational for the Green and Blue, as the pair combined for 39 points in the 200 Fly. Halmai earned another second-place finish after swimming a 1:59.35 in the final. Rodriguez' 2:07.69 was good for 16th.
Excluding the teams that brought just diving, the Eagles would have earned a sixth-place finish among the highly-competitive 13-team field. The Houston Cougars, who hosted the invitational, finished the weekend atop the final team standings.
Team Standings:
1. Houston – 1,737 points
2. Rice – 1,144 points
3. Washington State – 913 points
4. Tulane – 716 points
5. University of Nevada – 699 points
6. UC Davis – 621 points
7. Colorado State – 614 points
8. Air Force – 568 points
9. FGCU – 554 points
10. Northern Colorado – 403 points
11. North Texas – 81 points
12. New Mexico – 8 points
13. University of Nebraska Omaha – 2 points
Up Next:
The Phill Hansel Invitational concluded the 2019 competition slate for the Eagles, who will have a break before returning to action on Saturday, Jan. 4. That day, FGCU is set to host Tulane, Illinois State and conference rival Liberty in a noon meet at the FGCU Aquatics Complex.
FGCU VB vs Kennesaw: ASUN Tournament Championship Finals Recap
In a five-set thriller that was decided by a total of 11 points, the FGCU volleyball team (27-5) dropped a heartbreaker to Kennesaw State (22-8) in the A-SUN championship match in Alico Arena on Saturday.
With the victory, Kennesaw State secured the A-SUN's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the Eagles will have to wait and see if they get an at-large bid.
"Definitely proud, not surprised at all," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said of his team's comeback from two sets down. "That's been the hallmark of this team all season long, their toughness and grit. That's a lineup, after the second set, that we haven't played at all this year. For them to be able to adapt and put themselves in a position to get to the fifth set, just to get there alone was an accomplishment considering how things looked previously. Obviously, we would have liked a different result, but I just loved the way they performed tonight."
It was the fifth straight season that either Kennesaw State ended FGCU's season or vice versa, and it was the third consecutive season the two teams met in the championship match. The latest outing didn't disappoint as Saturday's match featured 54 ties and 25 lead changes. Outside of the second set, neither team held a lead of more than three points the entire match.
In the first set, which featured 11 ties and six lead changes, FGCU trailed 23-20 before rallying to earn a set point following a kill from junior Cortney VanLiew. However, Kennesaw State stuffed an attack and responded with the final three points for a 27-25 win. The momentum continued as the Owls opened up a 16-8 lead in the second set. FGCU rallied to pull within 24-22, but Quin Sutphin's kill gave Kennesaw State a two-set lead.
Following that, things got really interesting, starting with a wild third set that featured 18 ties, seven lead changes and neither team leading by more than two points. Trailing 21-19, FGCU reeled off three straight points, capped by a solo block from sophomore Tori Morris. After their first set point was stopped, freshman Shelby Beisner was forced to play front row after a substitution mishap. All she did was team with sophomore Chelsey Lockey to stuff a Lexi Broadwater attack and give FGCU the set.
The Eagles opened the fourth set with four of the first five points, but Kennesaw State responded, eventually led 23-21 and appeared to be on the verge of clinching the match. Senior Daniele Serrano teamed with junior Snowy Burnam on a block, however, and redshirt senior Amanda Carroll followed with back-to-back kills to give the Eagles a set point. A kill from Sutphin tied it up, but back-to-back double-blocks from FGCU gave the Green and Blue a 26-24 win and forced a fifth set.
The final set, which featured 10 ties and five lead changes, saw the Eagles hold leads of 10-8 and 12-10. Kennesaw State, however, responded with five of the final six points, including the final two, to clinch the match.
For FGCU, Saturday night featured a vintage performance from the program's all-time kills leader, Carroll, who produced a season-high 14 kills at a .400 clip along with 15 digs for her 44th career double-double. It was her eighth double-digit dig performance of the season.
VanLiew finished with a team-high 15 kills along with 11 digs and four block assists. Her 67 attacks is tied for the fifth most in a match in the program's Division I era. It was her eighth double-double of the season and the 27th of her career.
Serrano, who became the A-SUN's all-time career blocks leader on Friday, tallied 10 kills and seven blocks (two solo) against the Owls. The 2018 A-SUN tournament MVP also hit .385.
As a team, FGCU totaled a Division I era single-match record 35 blocks (five solo). The Green and Blue's 30 block assists also ties their Oct. 7, 2018 performance against Lipscomb for the most by a team in the Division I era.
The record-breaking night for the team was led by a record-breaking night individually from Morris, who had 12 blocks (three solo), which is the most in any Division I era match - topping five other previous outings of 10, including three from Serrano.
Defensively, sophomore Dana Axner had a team-high 30 digs. She finished the tournament with two 30-plus dig performances, which gives her three such performances in her career - led by a 39-dig outing last year against West Virginia. She also has at least 27 digs in three of four career ASUN tournament matches, and she now has the top two single-season dig totals in the Division I era.
Lockey recorded a team-high 49 assists along with nine digs and a career-high six blocks. She also added one ace.
Notes:
FGCU had never come back from down two sets at home to win a match in program history, and they had produced only three such performances on the road. On Saturday, they nearly did before the Owls closed the match on a 5-1 run.
The Eagles had their 21-match home winning streak snapped in the loss. It was tied with Texas for the third-longest streak in the nation.
FGCU will have to wait and see if they receive one of the NCAA's at-large bids. The selection show occurs next Sunday, Dec. 1.
Axner and Morris were named to the all-tournament team.
With the victory, Kennesaw State secured the A-SUN's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the Eagles will have to wait and see if they get an at-large bid.
"Definitely proud, not surprised at all," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said of his team's comeback from two sets down. "That's been the hallmark of this team all season long, their toughness and grit. That's a lineup, after the second set, that we haven't played at all this year. For them to be able to adapt and put themselves in a position to get to the fifth set, just to get there alone was an accomplishment considering how things looked previously. Obviously, we would have liked a different result, but I just loved the way they performed tonight."
It was the fifth straight season that either Kennesaw State ended FGCU's season or vice versa, and it was the third consecutive season the two teams met in the championship match. The latest outing didn't disappoint as Saturday's match featured 54 ties and 25 lead changes. Outside of the second set, neither team held a lead of more than three points the entire match.
In the first set, which featured 11 ties and six lead changes, FGCU trailed 23-20 before rallying to earn a set point following a kill from junior Cortney VanLiew. However, Kennesaw State stuffed an attack and responded with the final three points for a 27-25 win. The momentum continued as the Owls opened up a 16-8 lead in the second set. FGCU rallied to pull within 24-22, but Quin Sutphin's kill gave Kennesaw State a two-set lead.
Following that, things got really interesting, starting with a wild third set that featured 18 ties, seven lead changes and neither team leading by more than two points. Trailing 21-19, FGCU reeled off three straight points, capped by a solo block from sophomore Tori Morris. After their first set point was stopped, freshman Shelby Beisner was forced to play front row after a substitution mishap. All she did was team with sophomore Chelsey Lockey to stuff a Lexi Broadwater attack and give FGCU the set.
The Eagles opened the fourth set with four of the first five points, but Kennesaw State responded, eventually led 23-21 and appeared to be on the verge of clinching the match. Senior Daniele Serrano teamed with junior Snowy Burnam on a block, however, and redshirt senior Amanda Carroll followed with back-to-back kills to give the Eagles a set point. A kill from Sutphin tied it up, but back-to-back double-blocks from FGCU gave the Green and Blue a 26-24 win and forced a fifth set.
The final set, which featured 10 ties and five lead changes, saw the Eagles hold leads of 10-8 and 12-10. Kennesaw State, however, responded with five of the final six points, including the final two, to clinch the match.
For FGCU, Saturday night featured a vintage performance from the program's all-time kills leader, Carroll, who produced a season-high 14 kills at a .400 clip along with 15 digs for her 44th career double-double. It was her eighth double-digit dig performance of the season.
VanLiew finished with a team-high 15 kills along with 11 digs and four block assists. Her 67 attacks is tied for the fifth most in a match in the program's Division I era. It was her eighth double-double of the season and the 27th of her career.
Serrano, who became the A-SUN's all-time career blocks leader on Friday, tallied 10 kills and seven blocks (two solo) against the Owls. The 2018 A-SUN tournament MVP also hit .385.
As a team, FGCU totaled a Division I era single-match record 35 blocks (five solo). The Green and Blue's 30 block assists also ties their Oct. 7, 2018 performance against Lipscomb for the most by a team in the Division I era.
The record-breaking night for the team was led by a record-breaking night individually from Morris, who had 12 blocks (three solo), which is the most in any Division I era match - topping five other previous outings of 10, including three from Serrano.
Defensively, sophomore Dana Axner had a team-high 30 digs. She finished the tournament with two 30-plus dig performances, which gives her three such performances in her career - led by a 39-dig outing last year against West Virginia. She also has at least 27 digs in three of four career ASUN tournament matches, and she now has the top two single-season dig totals in the Division I era.
Lockey recorded a team-high 49 assists along with nine digs and a career-high six blocks. She also added one ace.
Notes:
FGCU had never come back from down two sets at home to win a match in program history, and they had produced only three such performances on the road. On Saturday, they nearly did before the Owls closed the match on a 5-1 run.
The Eagles had their 21-match home winning streak snapped in the loss. It was tied with Texas for the third-longest streak in the nation.
FGCU will have to wait and see if they receive one of the NCAA's at-large bids. The selection show occurs next Sunday, Dec. 1.
Axner and Morris were named to the all-tournament team.
FGCU VB vs Lipscomb: ASUN Tournament Semifinals Recap
The #1 seed FGCU volleyball team (27-4) advanced to the championship match in A-SUN Conference Tournament for the fourth straight season as they beat #4 seed Lipscomb (16-12) 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 25-23). With the win, the Eagles are now 12-16 against the Lady Bison and will face #2 seed Kennesaw State (21-8), who defeated Liberty (19-11) 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-20) in the second semifinals match.
"In that fourth set, there was a few moments where I was wondering where that competitive spirit was," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We got down four or five points and all it takes is one play. I think it was Tori that got a big block, and we felt the energy start to shift. More than that, the execution level improved. Our first contact was much better towards the second half of that final set, and it allowed us to do some things offensively. At that point, Lipscomb was really making it difficult for our hitters, so it was nice that we were able to get that."
"First off, congrats to Florida Gulf Coast," head coach Brandon Rosenthal said. "That was a very high-level match and its tough to be on the bad side of it, but in the end, I asked our players to give it everything they had and they did. I couldn't be more proud of this group and everything they represented. They truly embody what we want this program to be all about and tonight's performance was awesome. Awesome to watch, awesome to be apart of and awesome to lead."
A-SUN Quarterfinals:
Prior to the semifinals, Lipscomb defeated #5 Stetson (12-15) 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 30-28, 25-20) while #3 seed Liberty defeated #6 seed UNF (15-18) 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-17).
Lipscomb: “First off, this was a gritty performance by our girls,” Rosenthal said in the quarterfinals. “Stetson is a tough team to play against and they caused us problems in each of the matches we’ve played them this year with their defensive pressure. I am really, really proud of the girls for battling through more mentally than anything. When you have that back up against the wall mentality it wears on you, but I am proud of them and the way they played tonight.”
Stetson: "Overall, it was a good season," Stetson head coach Yang Deng said. "There are moments we have to learn that being consistently good is how the results come. When you get to a certain level, the margin for error gets smaller and smaller. That means you have to be even more consistent. You have to earn your points and play your own game at the highest level."
Liberty: "All glory to God, what a great team win tonight," said head coach Trevor Johnson. "I'm so proud of everyone stepping up and doing their jobs! I thought we did a great job of dealing with the adversity of losing the first set and responded to the challenge. We showed a lot of heart tonight! I loved the energy from our bench as well!"
UNF: "The girls showed up in the first set and they were ready to play," head coach Kristen Wright said. "We really had a great game plan and it threw them off their heels. Even in the second set we outscored them, although unforced errors, matchups and their two big players put balls away [Amelia Johnson and Casey Goodwin]. The thing I leave with this is that it was a tight match and we had four or five underclassmen on the court and it's exciting that we are returning 15 players. We have a lot of work to do but we are bringing in some nice pieces."
Going to the semifinals, it was the duo of junior A-SUN Player of the Year and A-SUN All-Conference First Team and All-Academic Team member Cortney VanLiew and A-SUN Freshman of the Year Erin Shoemaker that took over the majority of the Eagles defense as they finished with 16 kills each. VanLiew was two digs shy of a double-double as she added eight digs, a block and an assist, while Shoemaker added four blocks and three digs.
Sophomore Tori Morris was two blocks shy of a double-double as she rounded out the Eagles in double-digit kills as she finished with 10 kills and eight blocks.
Sophomore All-Conference Second Team member Chelsea Lockey finished two digs shy of a double-double as she finished with 52 assists, eight digs, an ace and two blocks.
Junior All-Conference Second Team member Snowy Burnam finished with seven kills, eight digs and five blocks, while redshirt senior Amanda Carroll added one kill, one ace and eight digs and freshman Shelby Beisner added one ace and two digs.
Senior All-Conference Second Team member Daniele Serrano made A-SUN history as she surpassed ETSU's Meredith Hardy (474, 2010-13) as the all-time leader in total blocks in the A-SUN finishing with 475. In the match, Serrano had five kills, four blocks (one solo) and a dig. With her five kills, Serrano now has 817 career kills (eighth all-time) and is 21 shy of surpassing Ericka Fonseca (837, 2005-06) for seventh all-time.
"It means a lot to me," Serrano said. "Before college, I wasn't much of a stats person. I never looked at the numbers. It wasn't a big deal. Once I got here, into my sophomore year, Matt (Botsford) made it kind of based around stats. If our numbers are good, we're doing good and we strive for certain numbers. So, to earn this title feels amazing. I take pride that I'm literally protecting my team when I'm blocking. It means a lot more than you would know. I honestly didn't know if I got it because I wasn't blocking great tonight, but I'm glad that I did."
Sophomore A-SUN Defensive Player of the Year and A-SUN All-Conference First Team member Dana Axner finished with 33 digs.
Senior Megan Kuper led the Lady Bison with a double-double of 15 kills and 15 digs to go along with an ace, three assists and three blocks. Classmate Morgan Elmore also had a double-double of 55 assists and 11 digs while adding four kills and two blocks.
Junior Samantha Rubal also had 15 kills and added nine blocks (two solo) while defensively, classmate Alyssa Zwolensky added 26 digs.
"I think when you think about this team you think about the three seniors: Morgan Elmore, Megan Sullivan and Maddie Phillips," Rosenthal said. "These three individuals gave everything they've ever had to this program. They've laid it all on the line and have done so since day one, so it's not often we can look to a group who completely left it all out there and they have nothing to hang their heads about by any means."
Lipscomb fought off three straight set points in the first frame only to see the Eagles claim the early lead behind a kill from Serrano. After FGCU won the second set, the Bison really made things interesting. First, they used a late 4-0 run to claim the third set. In the next frame, they led 13-8 and appeared to be on the way to forcing a winner-take-all set. However, Shomaker and Morris teamed up for a block, VanLiew produced three kills and the Eagles knotted things up with a 6-1 run. Five more ties later, the Eagles got back-to-back points to take a 23-21 lead and closed the two-point win with a kill from Burnam.
"I thought our girls played with everything they had from the very first point and never let up," Rosenthal said. "Mistakes were made throughout the match and I think both coaches can say that there's an error here, an error there, but I think in the end, what you ultimately hope for is girls going for it and that's just what we had. I thought our defense tonight was just stellar. Stellar from the standpoint of the pressure that we continued to put on them."
Notes:
VanLiew's 16 kills put her up to 1,198 in her career, while her eight digs put her at 746. VanLiew needs 20 more digs to surpass Chandra Lefever (765, 2006-07, 09) for 12th all-time. VanLiew also remains in a battle with Carroll, who has 1,469 career after getting one against Lipscomb.
Morris' eight blocks were all block assists, which put her at 174 total blocks (154 block assists) which surpassed Lauren Tutwiler (170, 2014-15) for 12th all-time while also surpassing Sharonda Pickering (152, 2017-18) and Elenora Kazarian (153, 2014-15) for 12th all-time in block assists. Morris needs two total blocks to surpass Pickering (155, 2017-18) for 11th all-time, while in block assists she needs 22 to surpass Devon Watts (195, 2004-05) for ninth all-time while being in a neck and neck battle with Burnam.
"Tori was outstanding," Botsford said. "We felt really good about the matchup, and I have felt really good about the way Tori has been playing the last few weeks in practice and in preparation. The set volume was upped, and she did a tremendous job with it. She was a really good decision maker and, in the fourth set, she made some huge plays for us at the net. I'm really happy for her. She works really hard, and she's an X factor for this team."
Lockey's 52 assists put her at 1,641 career assists and remains 168 shy of surpassing Laura Manovill (1,809, 2004-05) for fourth all-time.
Burnam's seven kills helped her surpass Jelena Simic (649, 2009, 2011) for 14th all-time as she now has 651 career kills. Her eight digs put her at 586 in her career, while the five blocks, that were all block assists, put her at 182 (170th block assist), which surpassed Kaitlin Holm (167, 2011-13) for seventh all-time. Burnam needs 14 kills to surpass Watts (664, 2004-05) for 13th all-time and 14 digs to become the 17th Eagle to reach 600 digs and 15 to surpass Christine Pinder (603, 2012-13) for 16th all-time. In blocking Burnam needs seven block assists to surpass Karina Mambuca (177, 2012-13) for sixth all-time, while her next milestone in total blocks is Devon Watts (195, 2004-05) for ninth all-time in which she needs 14 to do so.
Carroll's lone ace put her at 136 in her career and needs four more to surpass Ana Kokanovic (139, 2007-08) as the all-time program leader in career aces. Her eight digs put her at 1,232 in her career and remains 138 shy of surpassing Brooke Youngquist-Sweat (1,369, 2004-07) for fourth all-time.
Axner's 33 digs were a season-high and a new career-high in a four-set match. she now has 1,168 digs in her career while remaining neck and neck with Carroll.
Botsford earned his 142nd career win with FGCU and 383rd overall. Longtime assistant coach Daniel Mahy earned his 293rd career win with the Eagles and 320th overall, while second-year assistant coach Stephanie Zelinski earned her 81st.
"In that fourth set, there was a few moments where I was wondering where that competitive spirit was," FGCU head coach Matt Botsford said. "We got down four or five points and all it takes is one play. I think it was Tori that got a big block, and we felt the energy start to shift. More than that, the execution level improved. Our first contact was much better towards the second half of that final set, and it allowed us to do some things offensively. At that point, Lipscomb was really making it difficult for our hitters, so it was nice that we were able to get that."
"First off, congrats to Florida Gulf Coast," head coach Brandon Rosenthal said. "That was a very high-level match and its tough to be on the bad side of it, but in the end, I asked our players to give it everything they had and they did. I couldn't be more proud of this group and everything they represented. They truly embody what we want this program to be all about and tonight's performance was awesome. Awesome to watch, awesome to be apart of and awesome to lead."
A-SUN Quarterfinals:
Prior to the semifinals, Lipscomb defeated #5 Stetson (12-15) 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 30-28, 25-20) while #3 seed Liberty defeated #6 seed UNF (15-18) 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-17).
Lipscomb: “First off, this was a gritty performance by our girls,” Rosenthal said in the quarterfinals. “Stetson is a tough team to play against and they caused us problems in each of the matches we’ve played them this year with their defensive pressure. I am really, really proud of the girls for battling through more mentally than anything. When you have that back up against the wall mentality it wears on you, but I am proud of them and the way they played tonight.”
Stetson: "Overall, it was a good season," Stetson head coach Yang Deng said. "There are moments we have to learn that being consistently good is how the results come. When you get to a certain level, the margin for error gets smaller and smaller. That means you have to be even more consistent. You have to earn your points and play your own game at the highest level."
Liberty: "All glory to God, what a great team win tonight," said head coach Trevor Johnson. "I'm so proud of everyone stepping up and doing their jobs! I thought we did a great job of dealing with the adversity of losing the first set and responded to the challenge. We showed a lot of heart tonight! I loved the energy from our bench as well!"
UNF: "The girls showed up in the first set and they were ready to play," head coach Kristen Wright said. "We really had a great game plan and it threw them off their heels. Even in the second set we outscored them, although unforced errors, matchups and their two big players put balls away [Amelia Johnson and Casey Goodwin]. The thing I leave with this is that it was a tight match and we had four or five underclassmen on the court and it's exciting that we are returning 15 players. We have a lot of work to do but we are bringing in some nice pieces."
Going to the semifinals, it was the duo of junior A-SUN Player of the Year and A-SUN All-Conference First Team and All-Academic Team member Cortney VanLiew and A-SUN Freshman of the Year Erin Shoemaker that took over the majority of the Eagles defense as they finished with 16 kills each. VanLiew was two digs shy of a double-double as she added eight digs, a block and an assist, while Shoemaker added four blocks and three digs.
Sophomore Tori Morris was two blocks shy of a double-double as she rounded out the Eagles in double-digit kills as she finished with 10 kills and eight blocks.
Sophomore All-Conference Second Team member Chelsea Lockey finished two digs shy of a double-double as she finished with 52 assists, eight digs, an ace and two blocks.
Junior All-Conference Second Team member Snowy Burnam finished with seven kills, eight digs and five blocks, while redshirt senior Amanda Carroll added one kill, one ace and eight digs and freshman Shelby Beisner added one ace and two digs.
Senior All-Conference Second Team member Daniele Serrano made A-SUN history as she surpassed ETSU's Meredith Hardy (474, 2010-13) as the all-time leader in total blocks in the A-SUN finishing with 475. In the match, Serrano had five kills, four blocks (one solo) and a dig. With her five kills, Serrano now has 817 career kills (eighth all-time) and is 21 shy of surpassing Ericka Fonseca (837, 2005-06) for seventh all-time.
"It means a lot to me," Serrano said. "Before college, I wasn't much of a stats person. I never looked at the numbers. It wasn't a big deal. Once I got here, into my sophomore year, Matt (Botsford) made it kind of based around stats. If our numbers are good, we're doing good and we strive for certain numbers. So, to earn this title feels amazing. I take pride that I'm literally protecting my team when I'm blocking. It means a lot more than you would know. I honestly didn't know if I got it because I wasn't blocking great tonight, but I'm glad that I did."
Sophomore A-SUN Defensive Player of the Year and A-SUN All-Conference First Team member Dana Axner finished with 33 digs.
Senior Megan Kuper led the Lady Bison with a double-double of 15 kills and 15 digs to go along with an ace, three assists and three blocks. Classmate Morgan Elmore also had a double-double of 55 assists and 11 digs while adding four kills and two blocks.
Junior Samantha Rubal also had 15 kills and added nine blocks (two solo) while defensively, classmate Alyssa Zwolensky added 26 digs.
"I think when you think about this team you think about the three seniors: Morgan Elmore, Megan Sullivan and Maddie Phillips," Rosenthal said. "These three individuals gave everything they've ever had to this program. They've laid it all on the line and have done so since day one, so it's not often we can look to a group who completely left it all out there and they have nothing to hang their heads about by any means."
Lipscomb fought off three straight set points in the first frame only to see the Eagles claim the early lead behind a kill from Serrano. After FGCU won the second set, the Bison really made things interesting. First, they used a late 4-0 run to claim the third set. In the next frame, they led 13-8 and appeared to be on the way to forcing a winner-take-all set. However, Shomaker and Morris teamed up for a block, VanLiew produced three kills and the Eagles knotted things up with a 6-1 run. Five more ties later, the Eagles got back-to-back points to take a 23-21 lead and closed the two-point win with a kill from Burnam.
"I thought our girls played with everything they had from the very first point and never let up," Rosenthal said. "Mistakes were made throughout the match and I think both coaches can say that there's an error here, an error there, but I think in the end, what you ultimately hope for is girls going for it and that's just what we had. I thought our defense tonight was just stellar. Stellar from the standpoint of the pressure that we continued to put on them."
Notes:
VanLiew's 16 kills put her up to 1,198 in her career, while her eight digs put her at 746. VanLiew needs 20 more digs to surpass Chandra Lefever (765, 2006-07, 09) for 12th all-time. VanLiew also remains in a battle with Carroll, who has 1,469 career after getting one against Lipscomb.
Morris' eight blocks were all block assists, which put her at 174 total blocks (154 block assists) which surpassed Lauren Tutwiler (170, 2014-15) for 12th all-time while also surpassing Sharonda Pickering (152, 2017-18) and Elenora Kazarian (153, 2014-15) for 12th all-time in block assists. Morris needs two total blocks to surpass Pickering (155, 2017-18) for 11th all-time, while in block assists she needs 22 to surpass Devon Watts (195, 2004-05) for ninth all-time while being in a neck and neck battle with Burnam.
"Tori was outstanding," Botsford said. "We felt really good about the matchup, and I have felt really good about the way Tori has been playing the last few weeks in practice and in preparation. The set volume was upped, and she did a tremendous job with it. She was a really good decision maker and, in the fourth set, she made some huge plays for us at the net. I'm really happy for her. She works really hard, and she's an X factor for this team."
Lockey's 52 assists put her at 1,641 career assists and remains 168 shy of surpassing Laura Manovill (1,809, 2004-05) for fourth all-time.
Burnam's seven kills helped her surpass Jelena Simic (649, 2009, 2011) for 14th all-time as she now has 651 career kills. Her eight digs put her at 586 in her career, while the five blocks, that were all block assists, put her at 182 (170th block assist), which surpassed Kaitlin Holm (167, 2011-13) for seventh all-time. Burnam needs 14 kills to surpass Watts (664, 2004-05) for 13th all-time and 14 digs to become the 17th Eagle to reach 600 digs and 15 to surpass Christine Pinder (603, 2012-13) for 16th all-time. In blocking Burnam needs seven block assists to surpass Karina Mambuca (177, 2012-13) for sixth all-time, while her next milestone in total blocks is Devon Watts (195, 2004-05) for ninth all-time in which she needs 14 to do so.
Carroll's lone ace put her at 136 in her career and needs four more to surpass Ana Kokanovic (139, 2007-08) as the all-time program leader in career aces. Her eight digs put her at 1,232 in her career and remains 138 shy of surpassing Brooke Youngquist-Sweat (1,369, 2004-07) for fourth all-time.
Axner's 33 digs were a season-high and a new career-high in a four-set match. she now has 1,168 digs in her career while remaining neck and neck with Carroll.
Botsford earned his 142nd career win with FGCU and 383rd overall. Longtime assistant coach Daniel Mahy earned his 293rd career win with the Eagles and 320th overall, while second-year assistant coach Stephanie Zelinski earned her 81st.
FGCU S&D: Phill Hansel Invitational Day Two Recap
On the second day of the Phill Hansel Invitational, the FGCU swimming & diving team (6-4, 4-0 CCSA) was represented in the finals by seven different individuals. Day two of the competition at Houston's CRCW Natatorium featured the 200 Medley Relay, the 400 IM, the 100 Fly, the 200 Free, the 100 Breast, the 3m dive and the 800 Free Relay events.
"After a bit of a flat morning, we bounced back and had a great evening session," head coach Dave Rollins said. "The athletes continued to race and dive tough. It was great to see so many new season and lifetime bests today, thanks to being able to take advantage of the finals format. Come Februrary, we will need to be better in the mornings, but with our young team we see the talent is there, we will just continue to gain these valuable experiences."
In the first final of the day, the Eagles picked up a third-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay event. The quartet of freshman Lucija Sulenta, junior Petra Halmai, freshman Julia Rodriguez and sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka posted a time of 1:41.45 en route to earning a podium finish.
Senior Elizabeth Zeiger highlighted the individual finishes in today's competition, as she swam a season-best 4:18.07 in the 400 IM, good for a third-place finish.
In the 100-yard butterfly, FGCU was well-represented in the finals, as senior Cassidy Fry, Czarnecka and senior Madison Jean combined for 42 points. Fry, who was the only one to earn a spot in the A Final, finished sixth, while Czarnecka came in 11th and Jean rounded out the scoring at 23rd.
Junior Petra Halmai was the final Green and Blue swimmer to score for the Eagles after earning a spot in the A Final for the 100 Breast. Halmai, who has already swam numerous nationally-ranked times this season, laid down a season-best and NCAA B Cut time of 1:01.12 in the event en route to earning a sixth-place finish.
On the boards, both freshmen Reese Wakefield and Delaney Nelson collected points for the Eagles for the second-straight day. Yesterday, the duo tallied key points for FGCU in the 1m event and the pair continued the streak in today's 3m event. Wakefield picked up a sixth-place finish with a score of 274.10, while Nelson's 232.80 points were good for 17th.
At the end of the second day of competition, the Eagles currently check in at 8th among the 13-team field. The team sits just one point behind seventh-place Colorado State University with seven scoring events left.
Up Next:
The Phill Hansel Invitational is set to wrap up tomorrow at the CRWC Natatorium. The final day of competition will begin at 10 a.m. with the prelims and end with the 3 p.m. finals. Tomorrow's slate includes the 200 Back, 100 Free, 200 Breast, 200 Fly, 1650 Free, Platform Diving and the 400 Free Relay. It will be the final competition day of 2019 for the Eagles, who will return to action at the FGCU Aquatics Complex on Saturday, Jan. 4. The team is set to host Tulane, Illinois State and conference rival Liberty at the Nest that day for a noon meet.
Team Standings
1. Houston - 1,187 points
2. Rice - 742 points
3. Washington State - 624 points
4. Tulane - 500 points
5. University of Nevada - 471 points
6. UC Davis - 423 points
7. Colorado State - 373 points
8. FGCU - 372 points
9. Air Force - 365 points
10. Northern Colorado - 290 points
11. North Texas - 249 points
T-12. University of Nebraska, Omaha - 2 points
T-12. New Mexico State - 2 points
"After a bit of a flat morning, we bounced back and had a great evening session," head coach Dave Rollins said. "The athletes continued to race and dive tough. It was great to see so many new season and lifetime bests today, thanks to being able to take advantage of the finals format. Come Februrary, we will need to be better in the mornings, but with our young team we see the talent is there, we will just continue to gain these valuable experiences."
In the first final of the day, the Eagles picked up a third-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay event. The quartet of freshman Lucija Sulenta, junior Petra Halmai, freshman Julia Rodriguez and sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka posted a time of 1:41.45 en route to earning a podium finish.
Senior Elizabeth Zeiger highlighted the individual finishes in today's competition, as she swam a season-best 4:18.07 in the 400 IM, good for a third-place finish.
In the 100-yard butterfly, FGCU was well-represented in the finals, as senior Cassidy Fry, Czarnecka and senior Madison Jean combined for 42 points. Fry, who was the only one to earn a spot in the A Final, finished sixth, while Czarnecka came in 11th and Jean rounded out the scoring at 23rd.
Junior Petra Halmai was the final Green and Blue swimmer to score for the Eagles after earning a spot in the A Final for the 100 Breast. Halmai, who has already swam numerous nationally-ranked times this season, laid down a season-best and NCAA B Cut time of 1:01.12 in the event en route to earning a sixth-place finish.
On the boards, both freshmen Reese Wakefield and Delaney Nelson collected points for the Eagles for the second-straight day. Yesterday, the duo tallied key points for FGCU in the 1m event and the pair continued the streak in today's 3m event. Wakefield picked up a sixth-place finish with a score of 274.10, while Nelson's 232.80 points were good for 17th.
At the end of the second day of competition, the Eagles currently check in at 8th among the 13-team field. The team sits just one point behind seventh-place Colorado State University with seven scoring events left.
Up Next:
The Phill Hansel Invitational is set to wrap up tomorrow at the CRWC Natatorium. The final day of competition will begin at 10 a.m. with the prelims and end with the 3 p.m. finals. Tomorrow's slate includes the 200 Back, 100 Free, 200 Breast, 200 Fly, 1650 Free, Platform Diving and the 400 Free Relay. It will be the final competition day of 2019 for the Eagles, who will return to action at the FGCU Aquatics Complex on Saturday, Jan. 4. The team is set to host Tulane, Illinois State and conference rival Liberty at the Nest that day for a noon meet.
Team Standings
1. Houston - 1,187 points
2. Rice - 742 points
3. Washington State - 624 points
4. Tulane - 500 points
5. University of Nevada - 471 points
6. UC Davis - 423 points
7. Colorado State - 373 points
8. FGCU - 372 points
9. Air Force - 365 points
10. Northern Colorado - 290 points
11. North Texas - 249 points
T-12. University of Nebraska, Omaha - 2 points
T-12. New Mexico State - 2 points
FGCU S&D: Phill Hansel Invitational Day One Recap
The FGCU swimming & diving team (6-4, 4-0 CCSA) opened up Houston's Phill Hansel Invitational with a successful day of competition on Thursday at the CRWC Natatorium. The first day of the invitational, which is set to run from Thursday, Nov. 21 through Saturday, Nov. 23, featured the 200 Free Relay, the 500 Free, the 200 IM, the 50 Free, the 1m dive and the 400 Medley Relay.
"I'm really excited about how the team performed today," head coach Dave Rollins said. "It's important for our young team to get the experience of a collegiate championship meet and they are doing great. It's always important to think about the team race, but ultimately the experience we are ggaining from swimming this weekend will serve us well come CCSAs."
The prelims for the 10-meet invite, which began at 10 a.m., saw six Eagles qualify for finals. Freshmen Reese Wakefield and Delaney Nelson each made it through on the 1m board, sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka secured a spot in the A Final in the 50 Free and the trio of junior Petra Halmai, senior Elizabeth Zeiger and freshman Anna Hogan earned spots in the finals for the 200 IM.
Czarnecka had the highest individual finish of the day for the Green and Blue, touching the wall fourth in the 50 Free final. After swimming a personal best earlier today in the prelims, she outdid herself once again in the finals, posting a time of 22.94. That time is good for eighth all-time in the FGCU record book.
The Eagles were represented by three athletes in the 200 IM, as Halmai, Zeiger and Hogan all punched their tickets to the A, B and C finals. Halmai collected 23 points after finishing seventh in the A final, Zeiger added 13 points by finishing 14th overall and Hogan rounded out the scoring with four points after a 21st-place finish. Halmai's time of 2:01.68 is good for fifth-all time in program history, while Zeiger's 2:02.45 checks in at 10th.
On the 1m board, Wakefield and Nelson combined for 31 points. Wakefield's 249.35 points were good for a sixth-place finish, while Nelson came in 18th after earning 225.60 points.
In addition to the high individual finishes, the Eagles had a strong showing in the 200-yard freestyle relay. The team of Czarnecka, freshman Hailey Jerew, senior Cassidy Fry and senior Madison Jean edged a UC Davis quartet by 0.02 seconds to finish fourth overall.
"Congratulations to Petra, Tori (Czarnecka) and Liz (Zeiger) on earning new all-time top 10 times," Rollins said. "We have a very rich history, so those don't come easy. Reese continues to be a dominant diver and Delaney came up huge making her first final. We had a fantastic first day and I can't wait to get everyone going tomorrow."
Up Next:
The Eagles will be back in action at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning to compete in the prelims for the 400 IM, 100 Fly, 200 Free, 100 Breast and 100 Back events. Tomorrow's competition will also feature the 3m dive, the 200 Medley Relay and the 800 Free Relay.
"I'm really excited about how the team performed today," head coach Dave Rollins said. "It's important for our young team to get the experience of a collegiate championship meet and they are doing great. It's always important to think about the team race, but ultimately the experience we are ggaining from swimming this weekend will serve us well come CCSAs."
The prelims for the 10-meet invite, which began at 10 a.m., saw six Eagles qualify for finals. Freshmen Reese Wakefield and Delaney Nelson each made it through on the 1m board, sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka secured a spot in the A Final in the 50 Free and the trio of junior Petra Halmai, senior Elizabeth Zeiger and freshman Anna Hogan earned spots in the finals for the 200 IM.
Czarnecka had the highest individual finish of the day for the Green and Blue, touching the wall fourth in the 50 Free final. After swimming a personal best earlier today in the prelims, she outdid herself once again in the finals, posting a time of 22.94. That time is good for eighth all-time in the FGCU record book.
The Eagles were represented by three athletes in the 200 IM, as Halmai, Zeiger and Hogan all punched their tickets to the A, B and C finals. Halmai collected 23 points after finishing seventh in the A final, Zeiger added 13 points by finishing 14th overall and Hogan rounded out the scoring with four points after a 21st-place finish. Halmai's time of 2:01.68 is good for fifth-all time in program history, while Zeiger's 2:02.45 checks in at 10th.
On the 1m board, Wakefield and Nelson combined for 31 points. Wakefield's 249.35 points were good for a sixth-place finish, while Nelson came in 18th after earning 225.60 points.
In addition to the high individual finishes, the Eagles had a strong showing in the 200-yard freestyle relay. The team of Czarnecka, freshman Hailey Jerew, senior Cassidy Fry and senior Madison Jean edged a UC Davis quartet by 0.02 seconds to finish fourth overall.
"Congratulations to Petra, Tori (Czarnecka) and Liz (Zeiger) on earning new all-time top 10 times," Rollins said. "We have a very rich history, so those don't come easy. Reese continues to be a dominant diver and Delaney came up huge making her first final. We had a fantastic first day and I can't wait to get everyone going tomorrow."
Up Next:
The Eagles will be back in action at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning to compete in the prelims for the 400 IM, 100 Fly, 200 Free, 100 Breast and 100 Back events. Tomorrow's competition will also feature the 3m dive, the 200 Medley Relay and the 800 Free Relay.
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