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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State Volleyball moved to 13-0 all-time in conference home openers as the Owls claimed a 3-1 victory (25-15, 26-28, 25-23, 25-17) over FIU in Conference USA action on Friday night from VyStar Arena.
STAT OF THE GAME: KSU, one of the top serving teams in the nation, recorded 12 aces on Friday night, while the Panthers were limited to just three but committed 16 service errors.
OWL OF THE GAME: Senior Manu Johnson recorded her third straight double-double with 17 kills, 10 digs and five aces. She now has 14 total aces over her past two matches.
THE RUNDOWN – KSU trailed 4-2 to start set one before reeling off seven unanswered to go up 9-4. The Owls didn't look back from there, leading by at least four points the rest of the way on the way to a 1-0 set lead. Set two meanwhile was back and forth the entire way, with eight lead changes and 16 total ties. The Owls moved out to a late 24-22 lead, before the Panthers rallied for a 28-26 win to tie the match at 1-1. Set three saw the Owls lead almost the entire way but the Panthers stayed within distance, never trailing by more than three points. The score was tied at 20-20 when FIU scored two straight for a 22-20 edge, before the Owls scored four of the next five points to change the momentum of the match, taking a 2-1 set lead. Set four saw KSU take a 15-8 edge and they were in control the rest of the way to close out the set and the match.
POSTGAME QUOTES
KSU HEAD COACH KEITH SCHUNZEL
"One of the more consistent matches we've had all season. Ups and downs as always, but good service pressure throughout, excellent passing and our setters distributed a really nice even offense tonight. We responded well after giving up a late lead in set two. This is a really good FIU team, so we'll need to get some rest, make a couple adjustments, and come ready to battle again tomorrow."
NOTES
-Joining Johnsen in double-figures for kills was
Olivia Burrage with 13 kills, while she also finished with a game-high .522 hitting percentage.
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Kaeley Walz paced the team with 26 assists, while
Leah Freeman had a team-best 13 digs.
-As a team, KSU hit .323 (56K-15E-127TA) for the match
NEXT TIME OUT: The Owls close out the weekend series against the Panthers with a 1 pm contest on Saturday, and the contest will again be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
