Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio – Eastern Kentucky University began the Miami/Best Western Invitational with a 3-1 win over Florida Atlantic on Friday.
 
EKU (2-2) scored the first three points of the first set, including back-to-back aces off the serve of Chloe Mason, and never trailed in the opening frame.  The Colonels turned a 2-point advantage, 13-11, into a 5-point lead with a 4-0 run capped by a kill from Sarah Mitchell.  Mitchell's kill ended the set 25-19.
 
A fast start highlighted the second set for the Colonels as well.  EKU scored the first five points and led 13-2 after a kill from Katie McKune.  Another McKune kill capped off the 10-point win, 25-15, and staked EKU to a 2-0 lead.
 
After the Colonels tied the third set 14-14, FAU scored six of the next seven to seize control.  The Owls finished off the set 25-20 to get within 2-1.
 
In the fourth set, with the score tied 14-14, EKU rolled off a 6-1 run to take control.  Consecutive kills by Kambree Lucas and Carson Ledford finished off the run and made it 20-15.  Back-to-back attack errors from Florida Atlantic ended the set, 25-19, and gave the Colonels the win.
 
AG Vandagriff and Mitchell finished with 10 kills each.  Mitchell hit .300 for the match.  Mason had 21 assists and 13 digs to go along with three aces.
 
Valeria Rosado posted a match-best 11 kills for the Owls (3-3).
 
EKU out-hit FAU .228 to .157.  The maroon and white had four more kills and six fewer attack errors.
 
The Colonels will conclude the event with two matches on Saturday.  EKU will face Cleveland State at 2 p.m. and Miami (Ohio) at 6:30 p.m.  The match against the Redhawks will air live on ESPN+.