Sept. 1, 2008

Box Score

GREENVILLE, S.C. - In their first home match of the season, the Furman Paladin volleyball team fell to Florida International, 3-1 on Monday afternoon.

Furman dropped the first two sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-22, respectively. Both teams struggled offensively in the first set, with neither team hitting above a .200 mark.

Down two sets to none, the Paladins regrouped in the third, overcoming a 10-18 deficit to tie the match at 20, helped by strong serving from senior Ali West and sophomore Brooke Ellison, who both notched a service ace to help the Paladins. Furman finished the set by scoring five points to FIU's one to win 25-21.

Furman came out strong in the fourth game with a 10-7 lead, but the Golden Panthers answered to tie the score at 10 and take an 18-14 lead. The Paladins regrouped again to tie the score at 18, and a kill by Kelly Kirby put Furman up by one. FIU answered with a kill of their own from Sabrina Gonzalez to tie the game at 19.

The Paladins fought to tie the score at 20, 21, and 22, but couldn't hold off FIU, who took the final set 25-22.

Furman was led by sophomore Katherine Hall, who recorded 14 kills and 10 digs for her first career double-double. Hall was joined in that first by freshman Kelly Kirby, who notched 17 assists and 10 digs.

Senior Alison West added 12 kills for Furman and freshman Alexis Shaffer contributed 10, while libero Brooke Ellison anchored the defense with 21 digs and also added three service aces.

Florida International was led by Yarimar Rosa, who recorded 24 kills, 16 digs and five total blocks. Setter Natalia Valentin contributed 40 assists and 13 digs to the winning effort.

With the loss, Furman falls to 1-3 on the season, while FIU remains undefeated at 4-0. The Paladins will take the court again on Friday at the Belmont Invitational, where they will face IPFW at 5:30 p.m. EST.