FORT MYERS, Fla. — Barbara Koehler matched her career high of 18 kills and registered a new personal best with four aces as Florida Gulf Coast University delivered a thrilling 3–2 victory Tuesday evening. It was the Eagles' first Atlantic Sun Conference home match and their 26th consecutive win over Stetson.

Erica Muhizi was a force at the net, tallying nine kills on 16 swings (.438) and leading the team with five blocks. Setter Eliska Vytiskova recorded a double-double with 17 assists and 11 digs. FGCU totaled 74 digs and dominated the service line with a season-high 12 aces as a team.

"We struggled offensively today, but servers and defense pulled through." said head coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen. We had a strong start in the fifth set to end the game. It was good to be at home and play in front of a great crowd. Can't wait to be back Friday!"

The Hatters (5-9, 1-1 ASUN) started strong, steadily building a 19-15 lead in the first set. The Eagles rallied with a 6-3 run to close within one, 22-21. Stetson stayed just ahead and took the set, 25-22.

In the second set, FGCU (7-5, 2-0 ASUN) led early, 15-11, but Stetson tied the score 19-19. The Eagles then made a run, allowing only one point while scoring six, to claim the set 25-20.

Stetson controlled much of the third set, leading 23-17. The Eagles mounted a late 6-1 surge, but Stetson closed it out 25-23.

In the fourth, FGCU pushed ahead and led comfortably, 24-17. The Hatters mounted a late fightback, preventing the Eagles from scoring the final point four times, before a service error handed FGCU a 25-21 win.

In the decisive fifth set, the Eagles came out firing, jumping to an 8-3 lead, aided by three kills from Julija Grubisic Cabo. Stetson responded with a 4-point run to close to 7-8, but FGCU shifted into finishing gear and rattled off seven straight points to take the set 15-10.

FGCU continues its homestand Friday, welcoming West Georgia at 6 p.m.