Ospreys Outlast North Alabama Behind All-Around Attack

Sunday, October 14

Florence, Ala.

2:00 p.m.

University of North Florida

8-16, 3-5ASUN

North Alabama

2-15, 0-8ASUN

North Florida

North Alabama

Devyn Wheeler leaps to make an attack attempt at the net as two Stetson defenders leap in defense.

Sophomore Devyn Wheeler had a match-high 19 kills, three shy of her career best.

10/14/2018 6:48:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Wheeler Paces All Players With 19 Kills

FLORENCE, Ala. - Four Ospreys registered double-digit kills, one career high was set and Madilyn McCarty turned out 54 assists as UNF (8-16, 3-5 ASUN) picked up a five-set victory at North Alabama (2-15, 0-8 ASUN) Sunday, Oct.14.

"Tonight was an interesting match with a lot of highs and a few lulls," head coach Kristen Wright said. "It was fun to watch each girl come together in the end and play with poise in the final set."

UNF 3, North Alabama 2 | 25-22, 25-14, 21-25, 22-25, 15-8 | Box Score

Behind the Box Score

UNF sprang to a 7-0 advantage to open the match, prompting a UNA timeout. Junior Taryn Griffey, sophomore Devyn Wheeler and redshirt-sophomore Devyn Wheeler got in on the attack, increasing the lead to 17-6. A 5-1 UNA run created some pressure, but North Florida hung on to take the opening session.
The Ospreys dominated the second frame, holding the Lions to a .000 attack percentage while going for a match-high 16 kills. North Florida was lifted by four aces, two of which came on back-to-back O'Connell serves.
North Alabama took its first lead of the match at 8-7 and it didn't let go of it, staying alive for a fourth frame.
Neither team cracked a .200 hitting percentage, but a late run fueled the Lions to force a decisive set.
North Florida bookended the match with another hot start, breaking the final session open with a 12-2 lead. O'Connell had five kills in set five as the Ospreys posted a match-best .391 attack percentage.

Leaders By the Numbers

Wheeler | 19 kills, 11 digs, .375 hitting percentage
O'Connell | 16 kills, 13 digs, 10th double-double of 2018
Madison Donnelly | 26 digs, career-high
McCarty | 54 assists, tying a season-high

Notes

Sophomore Callie Workman notched 13 digs. The 39 digs between Workman and Donnelly are the most combined between the duo in any match this year.
Speaking of the UNF defense, senior Asante Lopez returned from an injury and played her first match since September 15 at Florida Atlantic.
UNF is 3-2 in five-set matches this year. It is on a three-match winning streak in such matches.
UNF led 64-47 in assists.
This was the first-ever meeting between UNF and UNA.
McCarty is only two assists shy of 2,000 in the Navy and Gray.
The Ospreys are 4-1 when Wheeler posts a double-digit kill performance.
Sunday is the first time the combination of O'Connell, Wheeler, junior Taryn Griffey and freshman Kirby Smith have all posted double-digit kills.

Wright's Words
"We rode everyone at one point today. Each team is vastly different in the ASUN, so tactically I'm glad to see us learn to make adjustments defensively and at times offensively. Overall I'm pleased with the progress on our side of the net this weekend."

Up Next
UNF goes to Florida Gulf Coast Friday, Oct. 19 for a 7 p.m. first serve. They'll turn around and play at Liberty Sunday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.