Lady Eagles Drop First Match on New Arena Floor
DURHAM, N.C. – Junior Kelsey Murphy blasted a match-high 11 kills for host North Carolina Central University, but Gardner-Webb University spoiled the Lady Eagles first match in the newly renovated McDougald-McLendon Arena with a straight-set, non-conference victory Wednesday night.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs improved to 7-14 overall with their third straight win taking the 3-0 triumph by set scores of 25-18, 25-18 and 25-23. The Lady Eagles drop to 3-19 overall after committing nearly as many hitting errors (22) as kills (25).
Murphy tallied a match-high 13.5 points with 11 kills, the Lady Eagles only two service aces and one block assist. Senior Kelly Rossip followed with 11 points, featuring eight kills and four blocks (two solo, two assists).
Senior libero Marilyn Sherbondy notched a match-high 19 digs. Junior setter Casey Curran added five digs and a team-best 23 assists. Freshman Sydney Richardson had her most productive match with one kill on two swings and three blocks (one solo, two assists).
The Runnin’ Bulldogs produced 12 blocks including their 12th one on match-point to hold NCCU to a .031 hitting percentage. Junior Jene Lee highlighted the front-row defense with eight blocks in the first two sets (one solo, seven assists), which matched a season-high total. Sophomore Justine Bowers contributed five block assists and sophomores Kaelyn Dyson and Sydney Marshall each chipped in four block assists.
Gardner-Webb hit .163 for the match with Bowers setting up the attack with 29 assists. Senior Tyra Montour led a balanced offense with nine kills; Dyson pounded down eight kills; and junior Taylor Lillard ripped six kills as seven Runnin’ Bulldog hitters posted multi-kill performances.
Senior Anna Pashkova anchored GWU’s back row with 13 digs and Marshall served up three aces.
NCCU travels to Buies Creek, North Carolina, for a non-conference tilt at Campbell University on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.
For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com
Savannah State falls in straight sets to Mercer
SAVANNAH, Ga. – Junior middle blocker Gabrielle Nathaniel led Savannah State University volleyball team with six kills, with 10 digs and with four total blocks as Mercer University (8-11) defeated the Lady Tigers (0-24) 3-0 (25-14, 25-7, 25-23) on Wednesday in Willcox-Wiley Gymnasium.
Junior setter Caitlynn Masoe led the team with 17 assists and added four digs and three total blocks, while freshman outside hitter Makayla Tam recorded four kills and junior libero Alexis Washington added nine digs.
The Lady Bears were led by Monica Johnson and Morgan MacGilvary with eight kills each, Claire Waliczek with 30 assists and Tori Penrod with 13 digs.
The Lady Tigers travels to Charleston, S.C., on Tuesday to face The Citadel at 6 p.m. before returning home to face Alabama State on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in Willcox-Wiley Gym.
For complete story, visit www.ssuathletics.com