JACKSONVILLE – After four back and forth sets, North Florida volleyball had the last word with a 3-2 victory against River City Rumble rival, Jacksonville, to open ASUN play on Friday evening in Swisher Gym.
 
STEVE SAYS
"Extremely proud of how our team fought throughout the whole match," said head coach Steve Loeswick. "We weren't very good at times, but our intensity and never wavered. It's a super hard place to play and we are excited to get out of here with our first conference win."
 
TOP PERFORMERS
DOUBLE DOUBLES
Carinne Turner – 20 Kills, 22 Digs [Both Career-Highs]
Madilyn McCarty – 40 Assists, 11 Digs
Gabby O'Connell – 14 Kills, Career-high 14 Digs
 
QUICK HITS
- The 20 kills from Turner were the most for UNF since the opening weekend when Carinne Turner had 22 against FAU.
- It was just the second time this season that North Florida had a lower hitting percentage and pulled out the win.
- It was the first time since 2014 that five players tallied double-figure kills. Today it was Turner (22), Gabby O'Connell (14), Kimberly Ferguson (12), Madilyn McCarty (11) and Katarina Raicevic (10).
- UNF has won three five-set matches against Jacksonville in the past five years.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The final frame saw five tie scores and just one lead change, but it was a final solo stuff from Morgan Van Alstine that secured The Ospreys won the opening frame in dominate fashion out hitting their opponents, .355 to .000. UNF recorded 14 kills, while JU was limited to six.
 
North Florida's momentum was short lived as the hosts swung hard and fast to win the second set from the start. There was just one tie score as the Dolphins won 25-20. The Ospreys looked like they would make a comeback with an 8-2 run, but it was too late as a final block by the Dolphins secured the win.
 
The third frame saw Jacksonville hit an outstanding .419, while the Ospreys hit in the negative with just eight kills.
 
North Florida was not going to go down easy as the Ospreys raced out to a 15-7 lead and eventually led 20-11. Jacksonville used three kills and UNF errors to power a 7-1 run to pull within 21-18. The Dolphins eventually tied the game at 24 before back-to-back kills from Carinne Turner secured the victory and forced a fifth set.
 
COMING UP
The Ospreys continue league play at home when Lipscomb comes to town on Friday, Sept. 30. First serve is set for 6 p.m.