October 6, 2005

LAURINBURG, NC—Mount Olive rallied from early deficits in games one and three to defeat host St. Andrews 3-0 (30-21, 30-13, 30-23) in Carolinas-Virginia Athletics Conference volleyball action Thursday in Harris Court.

The Lady Trojans, who are ranked No. 8 in the Atlantic Region of the AVCA Poll that was released today, improved to 14-3 overall and a perfect 9-0 in the CVAC. The Knights fell to 1-13 and 1-8.

St. Andrews started strong behind a loud crowd to gain the early 12-5 lead in the first game but the startled Trojans fought back with 11 of the next 14 points to take its first lead at 16-15. Mount Olive maintained the momentum and took the first by nine points, 30-21.

MOC grabbed the commanding two-game advantage with strong defensive play that only allowed St. Andrews one point on its own serves in the second. The Trojans scored nine consecutive points on sophomore Sam Mitchell (Boyd, WI) serves to coast to the 30-13 win.

Just like in the first game, St. Andrews opened up an early four-point advantage at 12-8. Once again Mount Olive rallied back with 12 of the next 14 points to take a comfortable 20-14 lead. The Knights did not give in and kept the game close but a late run by Mount Olive sealed the 30-23 win and the match.

Senior Heidi Busch ( Ft. Wayne, IN) led the Trojans with 19 kills and five blocks. Senior setter Sara Christie (Champaign, IL) provided 36 assists while senior Colby Mangum (Wilmington, NC) and Mitchell tied with eight kills apiece. Junior Anna Luft (Swansboro, NC) added five blocks and three aces. Junior libero Nikki Murphy (Marshfield, WI) scooped up five digs.

Sophomore libero Erin Haugen (Ft. Mills, SC) led the Knights with a game-high 16 digs. Juniors Jesi Bewley ( Cincinnati, OH) and Lauren McManus (Raleigh, NC) each spiked seven kills. Junior setter Kim Harper (Boca Raton, FL) set up 19 assists and made 10 digs. Freshman Liz Windham (Wartrace, TN) posted nine digs and three kills. Freshman Dani Ghramm (Hayden, ID) chipped in with five kills and four digs. Sophomore Jackie Cromer (Greensboro, NC) and Harper had St. Andrews only solo blocks.

The Knights visit non-conference Francis Marion University on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Mount Olive heads south this weekend for two CVAC showdowns. The Trojans battle Anderson on Saturday and Converse on Sunday, with both games starting at 2:00 p.m.