JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Senior
Natalie Wehner became the ninth player in Jacksonville University Volleyball history to record her 1,000th career dig as the Dolphins fell to ASUN Conference leader Florida Gulf Coast, 3-0, Friday evening at Historic Swisher Gymnasium.
"We definitely did not play our best volleyball tonight, but there were some positives to take out of the match," commented head coach
Evan Muys. "We are thankful that we get the opportunity to get back on the court Sunday and continue to get better against another really good team.
"Additionally, congrats to Nat, who earned her 1,000th dig this evening. She has embraced her role and is thriving in it. I'm incredibly proud of her and what she's overcome in her career, and I have an opportunity to coach such a great kid."
After beginning her collegiate career as an outside hitter, the Lake Orion, Mich. native made the transition to libero for the 2018 season following a knee injury and coaching change. The switch has been nothing shy of monumental and Friday evening, with her mother Kim in attendance from Michigan, Wehner put her stamp of the Dolphin record books.
With a team-high 12 digs on the night, Wehner achieved the milestone in the third set and now ranks just behind former teammate Mackenzie Swan on the Dolphins' all-time list.
"It wasn't something I thought that I would get, especially coming in [as a freshman] when I started as an outside. … I really love this new position and what I've learned from it and been able to do with it, especially with the support of my teammates," noted Wehner following the match. "My mom flew down to see my 1,000th dig, so it was awesome to have support from family, the team, JU, from everyone. It's such a good feeling."
Despite a slow start to the tune of a 25-8 first set, the Dolphins (7-16, 3-6 ASUN) worked to pressure the visiting Eagles. Matching FGCU (20-3, 8-1 ASUN) point for point down the stretch of the second set, the Dolphins battled but fell behind two sets to none, 25-16.
Back-to-back kills from junior
Madison Rayam and freshman
Lindsey Grossman knotted the third set at three apiece, while Wehner connected on a service ace to keep the Dolphins within two, 11-9. The next four points went in favor of the Eagles, as FGCU extended its lead to 18-11. Jacksonville managed five more points before the visitors put the set and match away, 25-16.
Rayam and Grossman led the team with six kills each, while sophomore
Natalie Martin and freshman
Madison Dagenhart combined for 22 assists.
The Dolphins return to action on Sunday, Oct. 27 when they welcome Liberty for a matchup at 1 p.m.
