Saturday, November 03, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 3, 2007) -The ETSU volleyball team defeated conference opponent Mercer Saturday at Brooks Gym in five games on senior day, 30-23, 22-30, 23-30, 30-28, 15-6.

"It was sheer heat and determination that we showed in this win today," said head coach Lindsey Devine. "The way we played in the fifth game is the way we knew we could play all along. We just haven't been able to keep doing it, but hopefully we figured things out today."

Senior Callie Kiselich (Colorado Springs, Colo.), led the Bucs for the second day in a row in kills with 20 in the win. Kiselich also had eight digs and four blocks for the Bucs. Freshmen Erin Ryan (Davie, Fla.), and Laura Waddell (Lynchburg, Va.), picked right up where they left off yesterday as Ryan had 13 kills and Waddell tallied 18 in the match. The Bucs also had contributions from Michelle Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind.), who had nine kills and freshman Desiree Dyck (Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan), had eight kills.

"I extremely happy for Callie, and we knew what she was capable of all year," Devine said. "If this is a sign of how she is going to play in the tournament then I will definitely take it. I thought Desiree and Kristan Provchy (Norton, Ohio), really stepped up their game in game five."

Senior Kaena Apana (Waianae, Hawaii), led the Bucs in the back with 27 digs and two service aces.  Marissa Mortensen (Elk Grove, Ill.), and Lauren Baufield (Plymouth, Minn.), also had great games as Mortensen had 16 digs, while Baufield tallied 18 digs.

Freshman Whitney Cogburn (Kingsport, Tenn.), and Amanda Youell (Middleburg, Fla.), shared the setting duties again, as Cogburn had 37 assists and seven digs. Youell, who came in for the last two games, tallied 24 assists and three kills.

"We really showed our heart, and in game five we showed how we can be dominant," Devine said. "I am proud of our 9-2 conference record. It is a reflection of our hard work."

            With the win the Bucs improve to 19-12 overall and 9-2 in conference play. The Bucs head to Macon, Ga. in two weeks for the A-Sun conference tournament.