October 2, 2010

Volleyball Swept by Belmont

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mercer senior middle blocker Krista Hurley knocked down a team-high seven kills and contributed seven total blocks, but Belmont’s Kayla Albritton and Maggie Johnson combined for 29 kills to help the Bruins claim a 3-0 (25-9, 25-21, 25-17) victory in Saturday’s Atlantic Sun volleyball match at the Curb Event Center.

Mercer suffered its third straight loss and fell to 6-14 (0-2 A-Sun).  Belmont improved to 7-12 (1-1 A-Sun).

“Personally don’t think everyone showed up to play and its really frustrating,” Mercer head coach Noelle Rooke said. “The outcome should have – and could have - been different.  Fortunately, there is a lot more conference matches left to play.”

After struggling in the first set, Rooke’s squad stormed out to a 9-1 lead in the second set before Belmont head coach Deane Webb called a timeout.  Belmont chipped away at the deficit before eventually tying the frame at 20-20.  Belmont would go on to take the second set by the count of 25-21.

The third set was the most hotly contested, featuring eight tie scores and four lead changes. Belmont pulled away from an 11-11 tie with a 7-3 surge, creating the separation the hosts needed to clinch victory.

Hurley’s seven kills marked the highest block total for a Mercer player since her classmate, Libby Hansch, had eight against Florida Gulf Coast on Nov. 7, 2009.  As a team, Mercer out-blocked Belmont 8-2.

Hansch pounded out six kills with no errors against the Bruins Saturday, finishing with a team-high .500 hitting percentage.

Mercer junior posted a team-high 12 digs while Rachel Urbelis added 11 digs of her own.  Freshmen setters Bridget Sheerin and Carly Iannarino both tallied 12 assists in the losing effort.

Mercer returns to action hosting North Florida at the University Center on Oct. 8.  Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.