Vermillion, S.D. - The Green Bay volleyball team took the first set against the Florida Gulf Eagles on Saturday, but couldn't hang on and lost 3-1 (25-23, 27-29, 20-25, 19-25) at Sanford Coyote Sports Center.

The Phoenix offense was paced by Diane Pichelman, who finished with a career-high 18 kills on the day while accumulating a hitting percentage of .471. Katie Schulz added 15 while Gillian Koning and Jessica Kurpeikis chipped in with 10 each, both career-highs. Defensively, GB had three players reach double figures in digs, including Emma Best's 14, 11 from Emma Johnson, and 10 more from Kennedy Schmitz. Johnson also finished the match with 41 assists.

HOW IT HAPPENED

SET 1 | The first set was a set of runs, with GB going on a 4-0 run and a 6-0 run, while FGCU did the same. However, down 23-22, GB rallied to grab the last three and take the first set 25-23. Both teams attacked at a similar rate in the first set, with the Phoenix finishing with a .222 hitting percentage to the Eagles' .200.

SET 2 | The second set ended up being even closer, with Florida Gulf Coast evening it up at one set apiece after a 29-27 win. The second set featured seven lead changes and was tied 17 times. Neither team led by more than three points along the way.

SET 3 | After a 6-6 tie, FGCU went on a 4-0 run to give them a 10-6 lead. That lead was never relinquished, and they took a 2-1 set lead with a 25-20 win. The Eagles were on fire offensively in the frame, hitting .552.

SET 4 | Green Bay lost the fourth set and the match, falling 25-19. The Phoenix lost the first point and fought from behind the rest of the way. FGCU had another strong set on the offensive end, hitting .351 on 16 kills.

GAME NOTES

» Green Bay had four players in double figures in kills.

» Green Bay had three players in double figures in digs.

» Koning had a team-high three aces in the loss.

» Olivia Neumann led Green Bay with four blocks.

» FGCU outhit GB .327 to .215.

COMING UP 

Next weekend, the Phoenix is heading home to host Kendall's Battle at the Capital Credit Union Classic at the Kress Center on September 18-20. GB will open the weekend against Western Michigan on Thursday at 6 p.m.

###

For the latest and most up-to-date information on Green Bay Athletics and Green Bay Volleyball, please visit GreenBayPhoenix.com.

Follow us on X: @GBPhoenix and @GBPhoenixVB.

Follow us on Instagram: @GBPhoenix and @GBPhoenixVB.

Like Green Bay Phoenix Athletics and Green Bay Phoenix Volleyball on Facebook.

To receive Green Bay Volleyball news via email, please fill out this form.

---GreenBayPhoenix.com---