FORT MYERS, Fla. – For the fourth time in program history, FGCU is the Atlantic Sun Conference Volleyball Champion. The Eagles secured the 2023 tournament title after sweeping Lipscomb inside Alico Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.
The first set was controlled by the Eagles who won by a score of 25-11. FGCU's Shelby Kent tallied four kills in the first frame along with three digs. FGCU continued to play from ahead in the second set, building a 10-5 lead off back-to-back kills from Skylar English that forced a timeout from Bisons' Head Coach Brandon Rosenthal. Lipscomb could not trim its deficit to any less than three points and FGCU closed out the second set, 25-21. Entering the third, the Eagles were outhitting the Bisons .339 to .029 and had nine blocks compared to one from Lipscomb.
FGCU got out to a fast start in the third set, jumping out to an early 6-0 advantage. The Bisons battled back but were forced to call for a timeout after trailing 16-10. The Eagles' offense didn't let up and closed the match with a third-set tally of 25-20. English led FGCU with 10 kills in the match while Courtney Jones and Meg Mersman paced Lipscomb with seven apiece.
FGCU has earned the league's automatic qualifier and represents the ASUN in the 2023 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship. The Eagles await the selection show at 6 PM ET on Sunday, Nov. 26, to see who they face in the first round of the national tournament.
All-Tournament Team
Lily Tessier, FGCU (MVP)
Skylar English, FGCU
Juliana Lentz, FGCU
Sophia Hudepohl, Lipscomb
Meg Mersman, Lipscomb
Manu Johnsen, Kennesaw State
Kailey McKnight, North Florida