CHARLESTON, S.C. – In the most exciting way imaginable, College of Charleston volleyball head coach Jason Kepner won his 200th game on Saturday as his Cougars downed UNCW in thrilling, come from behind fashion, 3-2 (18-25, 17-25, 25-20, 26-24, 15-12) at the F. Mitchell Johnson Center. The win sees the Cougars advance to the finals of the 2014 CAA Volleyball Championship, to be held tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. (ET).
Junior Melissa Morello led the way offensively against the Seahawks, hitting home a career-high 24 kills, while seniors Cara Howley and Sloane White pitched in with 15 and 13 put-aways, respectively. Grace Rebarchak was also strong in the attack, notching 12 kills on 47 swings.
Defensively, it was seniors Andi Zbojniewicz and Kallie McKown who carried the load, combining for 49 digs – while senior Catey Warren tallied another six blocks.
After dropping the first two sets, 18-25 and 17-25, the Cougars – facing elimination – rallied to take game three 25-20. In the most evenly played set of the day, the Cougars then squeezed out a 26-24 game four victory to force a deciding fifth frame.
With each team just 15 points from a chance to play for the conference title, it was the Seahawks who took an early 2-0 lead, courtesy of a service ace and kill from outside hitter Morgan Kline. With their backs to the wall, the Cougars continued to fight and soon took the lead following a huge kill from Howley, giving the hosts a 6-5 advantage. After Morello thumped another kill on the outside to tie the match at 10-10, it was Howley who gave the Cougars the lead for good at 13-12. Rebarchak then handed the Cougars a match point, before a Seahawk attack error sealed the set and the match, 15-12.
The College – last year's CAA Volleyball Champion – improves to 23-9 on the year and has now won its 16 of its last 18 matches overall. For his career, Kepner is an impressive 200-67 (.749) and has won a regular season or conference tournament championship in each of his eight seasons.
CofC will face the winner of Saturday's second semifinal between Hofstra and James Madison.
2014 CAA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (F. MITCHELL JOHNSON CENTER -- CHARLESTON, S.C.)
Friday, Nov. 21 - Quarterfinals
#4 UNCW 3, #5 Delaware 1
#6 James Madison 3 #3 Towson 2
Saturday, Nov. 22 - Semifinals
#1 College of Charleston 3, #4 UNCW 2
#6 James Madison vs. #2 Hofstra – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23 – Championship Title Match
#1 College of Charleston versus Hofstra/JMU winner – 3:00 p.m.
CONNECTING WITH THE COUGARS
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