September 17, 2010

Volleyball Bests NC Central, 3-0

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Senior middle blocker Krista Hurley crushed 10 kills on 18 attempts as the Bears defeated North Carolina Central 3-0 (25-17, 28-26, 25-17) in Friday evening’s non-conference volleyball match.  The matchup marked Mercer’s first contest at the South Carolina State Spikefest.

Mercer takes its second-straight win and improves to 4-10 (0-0 A-Sun) while North Carolina Central drops to 1-11.

Hurley’s 10 kills came with just one error as the La Verne, Calif. native recorded a .500 hitting percentage against the Eagles.  Friday’s match was Hurley’s second 10-kill performance of the season.

“Spent too much time feel out our opponent, but in the end we were able execute and get the win,” head coach Noelle Rooke said.  “Krista did a good job of leading our team to a solid victory.”

Mercer freshman Bridget Sheerin tallied 23 assists and three service aces while her classmate Carly Iannarino added nine assists.

Junior libero Charlotte Harris added 16 digs to her conference-leading total.  Harris has now amassed 229 digs on the season (4.98 d/s).

After losing the first point of the first set, Mercer scored the frame’s next five points and never surrendered that lead.

The second set was significantly more competitive, featuring ten tie scores and six lead changes.  Trailing 6-1 in the second set, the Bears methodically chipped away at the Eagles’ advantage before tying the frame at 17 apiece.

With the second set tied at 26-26, junior Rachel Urbelis solo blocked an Eagle attacker to give the Bears set-point.  Moments later, the Orange and Black benefitted from a setting error, concluding the set.

In the third set, Mercer pulled away from an 8-8 tie with a 4-1 surge and never surrendered that lead.

“At this point I’m looking for the momentum from our last couple matches to carry us through the weekend.”

On Saturday, Mercer challenges Hampton at 11 a.m. before battling host South Carolina State at 5 p.m.