Winning the ASUN Tournament has become an annual tradition for FGCU Volleyball. The Eagles have won the past three straight championships.
“We’ve established we are one of the top teams, if not the top team in the conference," FGCU Volleyball Head Coach Matt Botsford said.
Now, FGCU has its sights set on a program best fourth straight conference crown.
“We’re all locked in, complete tunnel vision," FGCU outside hitter Shelby Kent said.
With a 24-4 overall record and a 15-1 mark in conference play, FGCU claimed the ASUN regular season title. However, that doesn't really matter anymore since its playoff time.
“The regular season doesn’t mean anything," FGCU outside hitter and Barron Collier alum Skylar English said. "So we have that same mindset that we’ve had. We have to work every singe point of every game to get back to where we want to go.”
The ultimate destination is the program's fifth NCAA Tournament appearance, but to get there they need to handle business this weekend.
“Just be who you are as a player and as a team and we’ll be in a good position," Botsford said.
This year's success is all thanks to the team's depth. Botsford plays upwards of 12 players a match, which is much more than he's utilized in the past.
“We have so many different weapons this year," Kent said.
Four players have stood out among the pack this season and earned conference recognition. Shelby Kent was named the ASUN Player of the Year and placed on the All-ASUN First Team. Skylar English is also a member of the First Team. Ella Chapman earned Third Team honors, while Raegan Richardson was named to the All-Freshman Team.
“We really push each other the best that we can," English said.
Those stars plus the Eagles' depth will be tested this weekend. FGCU enters the ASUN Tournament as the number one seed, the host and the reigning champs — a trifecta of pressure.
“They understand what it’s like to have a little bit of pressure on you," Botsford said. "You got to be able to perform in those situations. They don’t bock when that happens.”
We'll see if the Eagles can soar to the fourth straight title in the coming days.
“That would mean everything to go out with a bang," Kent said. "I know it would mean everything to this group.”
Top-seeded FGCU plays eighth-seeded Queens in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The ASUN Championship match is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. All of the games will be held at Alico Arena.