
Women's Volleyball Falls to FAU in Weekend Finale
August 31, 2024 | Women's Volleyball
BOCA RATON, FL - - Redshirt sophomore outside Aniya Kennedy blasted a match-high 20 kills, but it was not enough as the Ball State women's volleyball team closed play in the Florida Atlantic Invitational with a 3-0 (25-12, 26-24, 25-20) setback to host FAU Saturday afternoon at Baldwin Arena.
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"There were lots of learning experiences for our young group this weekend," head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. "We had some pressure put on us and that will help us as we continue forward in our tough schedule."
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Kennedy's effort marked the first time this season, and the ninth time in her career, she has scored at least 20 kills in a match. She also closed the day with a .361 (30-7-36) attack percentage, while leading the Cardinals (2-1) with 33 kills over the two-day tournament.
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"Aniya had some good opportunities today and was a big point scorer for us," Phillips added. "She's someone that we count on big time to point score and will be a big piece for us continuing forward."
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Junior opposite Madison Buckley was second on the squad with five kills against the Owls (2-1), while sophomore middle Camryn Wise added four kills on five swings.
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On the defensive front, junior setter Megan Wielonski led all players with nine digs in addition to running the Ball State offense at a .247 clip. Ball State also tallied eight total blocks as a team, led by four from graduate middle Aayinde Smith.
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After limiting the opposition to a combined .027 attack percentage in its first two matches, the Cardinals struggled to slow down FAU which hit .385 as a team Saturday afternoon, with four players recording at least eight kills. Ball State was also out-aced 10-to-1 in the loss, after holding a 13-to-6 edge in Friday's action.
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The Ball State women's volleyball team returns to action Friday, when it opens the three-day Kentucky Invitational with a 4:30 p.m. first serve versus James Madison.
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"There were lots of learning experiences for our young group this weekend," head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. "We had some pressure put on us and that will help us as we continue forward in our tough schedule."
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Kennedy's effort marked the first time this season, and the ninth time in her career, she has scored at least 20 kills in a match. She also closed the day with a .361 (30-7-36) attack percentage, while leading the Cardinals (2-1) with 33 kills over the two-day tournament.
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"Aniya had some good opportunities today and was a big point scorer for us," Phillips added. "She's someone that we count on big time to point score and will be a big piece for us continuing forward."
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Junior opposite Madison Buckley was second on the squad with five kills against the Owls (2-1), while sophomore middle Camryn Wise added four kills on five swings.
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On the defensive front, junior setter Megan Wielonski led all players with nine digs in addition to running the Ball State offense at a .247 clip. Ball State also tallied eight total blocks as a team, led by four from graduate middle Aayinde Smith.
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After limiting the opposition to a combined .027 attack percentage in its first two matches, the Cardinals struggled to slow down FAU which hit .385 as a team Saturday afternoon, with four players recording at least eight kills. Ball State was also out-aced 10-to-1 in the loss, after holding a 13-to-6 edge in Friday's action.
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The Ball State women's volleyball team returns to action Friday, when it opens the three-day Kentucky Invitational with a 4:30 p.m. first serve versus James Madison.
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Team Stats
BSU
FAU
Kills
38
46
Errors
16
11
Attempts
89
91
Hitting %
.247
.385
Points
47.0
62.0
Assists
35
43
Aces
1
10
Blocks
8
6
Game Leaders
Kills-Aces-Blocks
Players Mentioned
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