College of Charleston
Delaware
Volleyball Sails Past Delaware in Straight Sets
9/28/2014 8:49:00 PM | Volleyball
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Less than 48 hours removed from a stunning five set victory over Towson in their Colonial Athletic Association opener, College of Charleston volleyball was back in action on Sunday afternoon at TD Arena, where they cruised past the University of Delaware in straight sets, 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21).
Cara Howley led the charge offensively for the Cougars with a team-high 10 kills, while Melissa Morello, Sloane White and Krissy Mummey all tallied nine. For the match, the Cougars outhit the Blue Hens, .252 to .149, courtesy of some stellar defensive play and sound distribution from setters Kallie McKown and Mackenzie Cooler – who combined for 35 assists. McKown also played a vital role in the team's defensive efforts, digging up 21 balls, while senior libero Andi Zbojniewicz chipped in with 17 digs.
It was a comprehensive victory for the Cougars who outpaced the Blue Hens in every major statistical category, including kills (47-34), assists (42-33), digs (61-55) and blocks (8-4).
Playing in front of another vociferous home crowd, the Cougars were tested by the upstart Blue Hens in the early stages of the opening game. Jumping out to a 10-7 lead, the visitors forced the Cougars in to an early timeout. Making the most of their quick break, The College emerged resurgent as McKown continued to successfully set Morello, White and Howley to take a 16-12 lead. Delaware stayed in the fight, however, eventually tying the match at 17 apiece, before then climbing in to the driver's seat at 23-20 via back-to-back kills from the big-swinging Katie Hillman. The Cougars fought off two set points at 24-22 and 24-23 to tie the match at 24. After a double block from White and Mummey gave the Cougars the lead, CofC won two of the next three points to clinch the opening frame, 27-25.
The second set was a more straightforward affair as the Cougars ran out to an early 8-2 lead following a thumping kill from sophomore Maddie Hills and never looked back, eventually claiming a 25-19 game two victory.
In the third frame, it looked like Delaware might manage to force a fourth set after taking a 7-3 lead following an ace from Jill Meyers. The Cougars settled in to the action though as kills from Morello, Catey Warren and Mummey brought the home side level at 13-13. From there it was all CofC as The College quickly extended their advantage to 20-14, before three straight Delaware errors and a kill from Grace Rebarchak put the Cougars on the precipice at 24-21. Two freshmen then stepped up on match point as Wondo High School product Britney Vallez delivered a great pass to Cooler, who set Morello on the outside for the junior team captain to hammer home for the win.
Dating back to last season, the Cougars have won six consecutive conference matches and boast an impressive 15-1 overall record in conference play since joining The Colonial.
After enjoying their home respite, the Cougars are set to head back out on the road next weekend for matchups with William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and James Madison, in Harrisonburg, Va., on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
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