MACON, Ga. – Mercer senior middle blocker Libby Hansch crushed a match-high 13 kills as the Bears captured a victory over UNC Wilmington in Sunday afternoon’s non-conference volleyball match at the University Center.

With the win, Mercer jumped to 12-16 (4-3 A-Sun) while UNC Wilmington fell to 7-19 (1-9 CAA).

“Senior leadership helped us pull this one out,” head coach Noelle Rooke said.   “Our upperclassmen really stepped up and played phenomenally in this match.  Our three seniors were difference makers today.”

Following Saturday night’s match at Campbell, the volleyball team arrived in Macon in the wee hours of the morning Sunday.  Hours later, the Bears started sluggishly on their home floor against UNC Wilmington.

The Seahawks won the first set by virtue of a .195 hitting percentage.  Mercer was held to a .000 attack percentage and was uncharacteristically out-blocked in the opening stanza.

From then on, however, Mercer seized control of the match, out hitting the visitors in each of the final three sets.  Ultimately, Mercer out-blocked UNC Wilmington 17-6.

Mercer’s 17 total team blocks was a season-high effort.  Mercer’s senior trio of Hansch, Erica Vrvilo and Krista Hurley combined for 20 block assists and three block solos on Sunday.

Hansch’s 13 kills came in conjunction with only two errors as the Fort Collins, Colo. native recorded a match-high .478 hitting percentage.

Junior outside hitter Amiee Frutchey pounded out 11 kills and collected 14 digs to notch her team-leading eighth double-double of the season.

Senior middle blocker Krista Hurley posted 10 total digs and added eight kills in the triumph.

Junior libero Charlotte Harris was credited with 27 digs and moved into third place among the program’s single season dig leaders.  Harris has now amassed 535 digs on the season.

Freshman setter Carly Iannarino dished out a career-high 27 assists in the winning effort.

Mercer returns to action with a home match against USC Upstate on Friday, November 5.  Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.