FAU returned home to Paradise after spending two weekends on the road. In the final weekend before American Conference play, the Owls went 3-0 solidifying a 9-4 record heading into conference play.
It was all Florida Atlantic as the weekend recap and standout performances are below.
Game 1: Florida Atlantic vs. George Washington (7-5)
Set One
The Owls took a 10-7 advantage, but a 10-3 run by the Revolutionaries put GWU up 17-13. That four-point advantage held throughout the remainder of the set as George Washington won 25-21.
Set Two
In the second set, things remained close as the two squads worked their way to an 11-11 tie. However, Florida Atlantic put together a 5-0 run earning a 16-11 advantage. FAU’s lead held to a 21-15 lead. George Washington bounced back with a 5-1 run pulling within two at 22-20. However, the Owls were able to pull away and evened the match at one with a 25-22 victory.
Set Three
A contested set, the Owls jumped ahead 14-12, but George Washington went on a 5-1 run taking a 17-15 lead. FAU then responded with a 3-0 run capped off by a Zoe Winford ace, 18-17 Owls. Florida Atlantic held on to the lead earning the set victory at 25-21.
Set Four
It was close throughout in set four. After working to a 8-8 tie early, no team had a lead larger than three as the set worked in a stalemate to 21 all. GWU was able to finally pull away, ending the set on a 4-0 run taking it 25-21.
Set Five
The fifth set looked similar to the fourth with another 8-8 draw. But this time, Florida Atlantic pulled away, closing the set out on a 7-2 run, winning 15-10.
Game 2: Florida Atlantic vs. Stetson (4-8)
Set One
The Owls took a 6-2 lead thanks to an early 5-0 run before the Hatters called a timeout. Stetson came out of the timeout with a response, but Florida Atlantic led 14-9, out scoring the Hatters 8-7 over that span. FAU started feeling the pressure from Stetson though, as the Hatters evened the set at 14 thanks to a 5-0 run of their own. But, Florida Atlantic bounced back taking a 20-15 advantage thanks to a 6-1 run capped off by a Libby Ashline kill. The lead held for the Owls as they took the set 25-17.
Set Two
Florida Atlantic took a 10-6 lead and did not look back. The Owls extended their advantage to seven at 14-7 after a Stetson attack error. The advantage held as FAU reached a 20-13 lead after back-to-back Maggie Allred service aces. The set ended with Florida Atlantic winning 25-15 as the Owls led the match 2-0.
Set Three
Similar to set two, the third set opened with a 10-6 FAU advantage. Florida Atlantic’s lead only grew from there with the Owls leading 17-11 after a Kayla Richardson kill, as the Hatters called a timeout. The dominant match continued in FAU’s favor as the Owls marched their way to a 25-14 win.
🎥 POSTGAME with @FAUVolleyball HC @nelson3fernanda after a 2️⃣-0️⃣ Friday in the 2025 Owls Paradise Classic‼️ 🦉🏐 pic.twitter.com/NKCZUiUyw9
— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) September 20, 2025
Game 3: Florida Atlantic vs Bethune-Cookman (3-8)
Set One
The set was close to start as the Owls and Wildcats were even at nine. B-CU was able to earn a 16-15 lead but a 3-0 run capped off by a Richardson kill put FAU ahead, 18-15. The remainder of the set was all Florida Atlantic as the Owls won 25-18.
Set Two
Similar to the first set, neither team could pull away as Florida Atlantic and Bethune-Cookman were even at 11. The Wildcats then eked out to a 14-11 advantage thanks to a 3-0 run. The Wildcats lead was extended to five as B-CU led 19-14. However, FAU clawed back with a 8-2 run as an Olivia Hart service ace putting Florida Atlantic ahead 22-21. The remainder of the set went back-and-forth but the Owls earned the win 26-24.
Set Three
The Owls jumped out to a 12-7 lead thanks to a 6-0 run early in the third set. The domination continued for FAU as the lead was extended to nine after another scoring run, 18-9. The set never was competitive as the Owls won 25-14.
OWLS OWN THE COURT‼️ @FAUVolleyball (9-4) ends their non-con schedule 3-0 with wins over @GW_Volleyball, @StetsonVB, & @BCUvolleyball in Parad🌴se. NEXT: #FAU travels to #Tampa for a contest against #USF. 🦉🏐 pic.twitter.com/VjjQEGibCa
— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) September 20, 2025
Stat Leaders and Standouts
Seven of Florida Atlantic’s nine wins have been from a sweep this year. For comparison, last season’s non-con schedule saw only four Owls wins in three sets.
Olivia Hart led the Owls in kills in all three contests as she earned 45 over the weekend.
As a squad, FAU earned 38 blocks with 16 coming against GWU, 14 in the Stetson contest and eight in the win over Bethune-Cookman.
Isabelle Northam led Florida Atlantic with 42 digs while Emsley Venard earned 66 assists.
Up Next
Florida Atlantic (9-4) will head West as they will square off against USF in the first American Conference contest of the season. Last season’s series was split with FAU winning the first contest and South Florida winning the second. The contest is scheduled for 6 pm ET on Wednesday, September 24th.