The Florida Atlantic Owls coasted to victory against Middle Tennessee, winning three consecutive sets on Sunday afternoon.

In the first set, the Owls (8-10) jumped out to an early 8-0 lead and the Blue Raiders (4-16) never came within six points of their opponent. They recorded 20 kills — a shot that is unreturnable by the opposition that leads to a point — in the set.

Senior outside hitter Maja Ristic recorded 10 of those kills.

“Our main objective was to serve well, and have great defense,” said head coach Fernanda Nelson.

Middle Tennessee’s offense started stronger in the second set, but FAU still managed to win by 12 points, the largest margin of the afternoon. Freshman outside hitter Sigourney Kame contributed eight kills, and four digs — which is the defense an attack attempt.

Senior setter Genesis Viera recorded 20 digs in the final two sets combined.

“Everyone played good,” Nelson said. “We all as a team are the reason for this victory.”

The victory marked the Owls third straight match where they were able to sweep all three sets.

The Owls will host Rice University on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, Oct. 7, but the anticipation of Hurricane Matthew postponed it.

Monica Sherman is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected].