MARIETTA, Ga. (Aug. 24, 2024) - The Peach State was incredibly kind to Florida National University's volleyball program (3-1), as the Conquistadors split their final two contests at the Running Eagle Classic on Aug. 24. FNU missed the mark in a rematch versus tournament host Life University (4-1) 3-0 before reverting to their winning ways in a three-set sweep of Middle Georgia State (1-2). 

Life was determined to avenge a 3-0 loss in its season opener versus FNU the previous day. Despite the extra incentive, FNU got off to a 5-0 start in set one thanks in part to a service ace and kill from Kitula Amaya Morales. LU kept its composure to eventually take a 6-5 lead on an attack error from Layla Cortez. The Conquistadors struggled against Life's defensive scheme, posting a -.049 attacking percentage. Life tallied three blocks in the frame and eventually claimed the point on an attack from Ariana Long that went out of play. 

The Running Eagles did just enough over the next two frames to keep FNU at bay. Life gained a 2-0 advantage with a 25-22 victory in set two. Cortez had five kills in that frame, but Destiny Drakeford and Chloe Teter combined for four kills at the end of the set. Drakeford had two more kills before all was said and done, as FNU was held to a .029 attacking percentage. FNU went on to lose the frame 25-19. Morales led the way with 10 digs and Cortez had 11 kills.

The Conquistadors' final game of the afternoon was a dominant display from start to finish. The conquistadors tallied 45 kills en route to a rout of Middle Georgia State. Gabriela Gonzalez and Cortez combined for nine kills in the first set, pushing FNU to a 25-14 victory. 

The Knights fought back in the second, even taking a 5-4 lead on a score from Graysen Lallier. After Yanelis Rodriguez slammed down a kill to make it a 21-18 FNU lead, FNU took a timely timeout to regroup and recenter their attack to protect their vulnerable advantage. This seemed to be just what the doctor ordered, as FNU closed out the set 25-22. 

Cortez took over in the third with eight kills, sending the Knights packing in a 25-18 win in the third and final set. Notably, Taylor Purdy was clutch from the service line with four aces to go along with nine digs. Gonzalez posted nine kills versus the Knights and Long ended her tournament run with three kills and nine digs. 

Up Next: FNU sets its sights on the USCAA Tip-off starting Aug. 30. The Conquistadors are slated to face Penn State Mont Alto and Penn State Greater Allegheny.