September 28, 2010

UNC Asheville Bests Volleyball, 3-0

MACON, Ga. – Mercer sophomore Jamie Duffy spiked 10 kills with just one error, but her effort wasn’t enough to stop UNC Asheville from claiming a 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-16) victory over the Bears in Tuesday night’s non-conference volleyball match at the University Center.

UNC Asheville improved to 9-6 (2-0 Big South) while the Bears dropped to 6-12 (0-0 A-Sun).

“Tonight we didn’t bring our A-game and it’s frustrating,” Mercer head coach Noelle Rooke said.  “Right now I feel like we’re competing more in practice. The hat’s off to [UNC Asheville] because they played great tonight and got the best of us.”

Duffy’s 10 kills came on 32 swings as the Manhattan Beach, Calif. native led the team in kills for the fourth time this season.  Duffy also notched five digs and a block-assist against the Bulldogs.

In the first set, Mercer held a 9-6 advantage before the UNC Asheville evened the score at ten apiece.  The opening set featured eight tie scores and two lead changes, but UNC Asheville prevailed 25-21.

Mercer freshmen Bridget Sheerin and Carly Iannarino combined to dish out 30 assists in the losing effort.

Mercer junior libero Charlotte Harris racked up 20 digs and added an assist versus the Bulldogs.

Mercer returns to action with its Atlantic Sun conference opener at Lipscomb on Oct. 1.  Match time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.