October 8, 2010

Volleyball Rallies for Win Over UNF, 3-1

MACON, Ga. – Mercer University's volleyball team notched its first Atlantic Sun Conference victory of the young league season in knocking off the University of North Florida, 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-16) at the University Center. With the win, the Bears improved to 7-14 overall (1-2 in the A-Sun), while the Ospreys fell to 4-14 on the year (also 1-2 in the A-Sun).

The Bears jumped out to a 4-0 advantage to open the match, but UNF quickly battled back to win the first set. While the Ospreys celebrated their opening set win, the MU team was rallied by head coach Noelle Rooke, who saw her team post a .000 attack percentage in the opener.

In set two, the Bears blistered the ball with a .250 attack average, led by junior Aimee Frutchey.  Frutchey – who would finish the night with a team-leading 12 kills – sparked her team to the 25-22 set two win.

Frutchey also chipped in 14 digs on the defensive side of the net.

Mercer turned up the heat in sets three and four to win each in dominating fashion by eight and nine points, respectively.

Any hopes that the Ospreys had for a rally was blocked – literally – by the Bears 6'2" senior Libby Hansch. Hansch had five solo blocks, and two assisted, as MU thwarted UNF in the final two sets and complete the come-from-behind victory.

 Hansch also had six kills in the match. Krista Hurley and Jamie Duffy added eight kills apiece, while Anna Coursey put down seven attacks.

The Bears freshman setter duo of Carly Iannarino and Bridget Sheerin combined for 40 assists (with Iannarino credited with 25 of the helps). Junior libero Charlotte Harris had a match-high 31 digs on defense.

Mercer will have little time to enjoy its win as the team plays host to Jacksonville University at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the University Center.