Florida Tech Volleyball Prepared For Tough Test Against Undefeated Embry-Riddle Tonight

By  //  September 18, 2015

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Florida Tech volleyball (5-1) is playing like a team on a mission as it heads into its first true road test on Friday night. (Amanda Stratford Photography Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech volleyball (5-1) is playing like a team on a mission as it heads into its first true road test on Friday night.

The Panthers embark for unfamiliar territory as they take on the undefeated Embry-Riddle Eagles (7-0) at the ICI Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.

This is the first meeting between the teams since the 2007 season, a match in which Florida Tech won 3-1 in Melbourne.

FIT is fresh off an exceptional display at the Panther Invitational, winning all three matchups in decisive fashion. The Panthers swept Albany State and Columbus State in their first two contests before serving up a four-set victory over Puerto-Rico Mayaguez.

Florida Tech’s efficiency was the main force behind the team’s success in the event. The Panthers averaged a hitting percentage of .258 over the weekend, compared to its opponents’ combined .164.

On the Panthers’ front line, senior Kim Juriga recorded team-highs with a striking percentage of .344 and 31 total kills at the invitational. Fellow senior Alea Hamm and freshman Olivia Hersey also impressed, each finishing with 24 kills, while senior Marilyn Dick posted 22 kills.

Overall, FIT’s front line combined for 22 total blocks over the weekend.

Senior Ashtin Truesdale continues to effectively read the defense as she distributed a team-high 93 assists in the three matches. Sophomore Becca Bower recorded 40 digs to lead her team. Truesdale and Bower also combined for 11 of the team’s 18 service aces.

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Opposite the Panthers on Friday is an Eagles squad whose record is unblemished after seven matches this season. Senior Evelina Abdurakhmanova leads Embry-Riddle with 121 kills while classmate Tamires Ferreira has dished out 226 assists so far this season.

Sophomore Ella Duggan and junior Amanda Saunders control the Eagles’ front line with 24 and 22 total blocks, respectively.

Live coverage for the Panthers’ matchup with the Eagles can be accessed at FloridaTechSports.com.