Sunshine Invitational
Score: Florida Gulf Coast 3, VCU 1 (15-25, 25-14, 25-18, 25-20)
Location: Gainesville, Fla. (Exactech Arena)
Records: FGCU 5-2, VCU 3-4
 
The short story: Sophomore libero Crew Hoffmeier recorded a career-high 24 digs for VCU, but it wasn't enough to hold off comeback-minded Florida Gulf Coast Friday in Gainesville, Fla.
 
OPENING VOLLEY

• Hoffmeier's performance was the second 20-plus dig effort of her VCU career. She's averaging 3.85 digs this season
• Senior outside hitter Qairo Bentley supplied 10 kills and hit .276 to pace the Rams offensively. She added five blocks, four digs and an ace
• Junior middle blocker Sarah Stratton kicked in four blocks and three kills for the Black and Gold
• Erin Shomaker led three Eagles in double figures with 17 kills

THE DIFFERENCE

• FGCU hit .267 in the match, including .350 in the final three sets as it erased a 1-0 deficit
• The Eagles also owned a 55-49 advantage in digs and served up nine aces
• VCU clamped down defensively in the first set, holding FGCU to a .000 hitting percentage on the way to a decisive 25-15 win, but the Rams were unable to sustain that defensive effort 

NEXT UP
VCU will take on Georgia Southern at 5 p.m. Friday evening at Exactech Arena.