Saturday, August 25, 2007

(Aug. 24, 2007) - A day after opening the season with a 3-0 loss to the host Panthers at the Georgia State Invitational, the Lady Bucs rebounded Saturday, posting a pair of easy victories over Central Florida and Fordham.  ETSU opened the day dropping UCF in four games, 30-20, 30-23, 28-30, 30-26, and closed out the tournament sweeping the Rams, 30-25, 30-26, 30-25.

"Our outsides did a great job today, and our ball control was superb," said head coach Lindsey Devine.  "Our middles were outstanding today holding their blocks and giving our outside hitters the opportunity to swing away."

Freshman Desiree Dyck (Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan) led the Lady Bucs, tallying 30 kills on the day; including a career-best 18 in the Fordham sweep, and fellow freshman Laura Waddell (Lynchburg, Va.) also posted double-digit kills in both contests with 11 and 14, respectively.

Senior Kaena Apana (Waianae, Hawaii), led the ETSU efforts from the back row, as usual, finishing with 44 digs on the day.  Senior Marissa Mortensen (Elk Grove, Ill.) notched her second consecutive double-double in the opener finishing with a career-best 43 assists and 23 digs.  Mortensen again directed the Lady Bucs attack in match two, ending with 41 assisits.

The Volley Bucs received quality contributions from their reserves as well, as freshman Britney Loomis (Michigan City, Ind.) totaled three service aces coming off the bench against Fordham.

The Lady Bucs next open up their home schedule, taking on Tusculum in Brooks Gym on Tuesday, August 28.  Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.