FLORENCE, Ala. (October 12, 2025) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team stormed back from two sets down to defeat the defending Atlantic Sun Conference champion FGCU Eagles in a thrilling five-set match in CB&S Bank Arena.

North Alabama (10-9, 4-2 ASUN) completed the perfect 2-0 weekend with a second-straight dramatic match in Florence.

FGCU (10-6, 5-1 ASUN) challenged the Lions early with a two-set lead, but UNA led a furious comeback to force a deciding fifth set. The Lions shined in the final frame, rallying for the program's first all-time win over the Eagles.

This was also FGCU's first loss in conference play in 364 days, ending an 18-game win streak against ASUN foes.

North Alabama moves to 6-1 in home matches this season. UNA remains a force in "The Bank" with four of the home wins coming in ASUN play.

UNA got stronger as the match went on thanks to stellar play from junior Kendall Barnes and the sophomore tandem of Kinslee McGowan and Reese Ricketts.

Barnes was on fire from the attack, setting a new career high with 31 kills on .500 percent hitting. Ricketts added 23 kills while continuing her great weekend play from the 25-kill outing against Stetson last time out.

McGowan stayed hot from her outing against Stetson with a second-straight record performance. The Cleveland, Tenn. native set a new Division I program record with 60 assists and proved key on defense with a career-high 20 digs.

Junior Nicole Sargent also performed on the big stage by leading the team with four blocks and two service aces. Her block totals tied the match high while her ace tally led all players individually.

Things started slow for the Lions as FGCU won set one, 25-17, and set two, 25-23. Despite the 2-0 deficit, North Alabama flipped the switch in the third frame.

McGowan, Barnes and Ricketts were catalysts towards the Lions' third-set triumph with 15 assists from McGowan and 11 combined kills from Barnes and Ricketts.

The frame had six tied scores and two lead changes, but UNA's 17 kills on a .441 hitting percentage made the difference. The Lions also locked down defensively with three team blocks. North Alabama took set three, 25-16, to cut the FGCU lead to one.

More efficient offense from UNA led to a second-straight set win. The Lions had a .417 hitting percentage to go with 17 kills, using the effective attack to tie the match at 2-2. Barnes exploded with eight kills to go with six from Ricketts to lead the offense. North Alabama took control early and never looked back en route to a 25-20 set win.

In the final set, the Lions took control early with an 8-5 lead. The Eagles tied the frame back at eight, but UNA saved its best for last with a responding 7-3 run. North Alabama had its highest set attacking performance with 11 kills on .500 percent hitting.

Six kills from Barnes and four from Ricketts took the Lions over the top, with three of Barnes' kills coming in the deciding run. An attack error by FGCU on the final play secured the home win for UNA with a 15-11 set score line.

North Alabama looks to keep momentum high next time out with a road bout against West Georgia on Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.