October 23, 2012

Eagle volleyball stops five-match losing streak with five-set victory over Mars Hill

MARS HILL, N.C. – Carson-Newman (9-12, 3-9 SAC) used a balanced attack and solid play from its back line of defenders to stop a five-game losing streak with a five-set (17-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 15-13) victory over Mars Hill (12-10, 5-7 SAC). The win was the first for Carson-Newman in a five-set match in 2012.

MARS HILL, N.C. – Carson-Newman (9-12, 3-9 SAC) used a balanced attack and solid play from its back line of defenders to stop a five-game losing streak with a five-set (17-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 15-13) victory over Mars Hill (12-10, 5-7 SAC).

The win was the first for Carson-Newman in a five-set match in 2012.

"This was a great strategic team effort tonight," Mincey said. "Everyone was invested in the game tonight, even those players who were beside me on the bench."

Three Eagles finished with double digit kills. Lauren Santarelli (Colorado Spring, Colo.) led the charge with 14 kills. Sabina Papala (Laziska Gorne, Poland) and Kiayna O'Neal followed suit with 13 and 12 kills respectively. Papala hit a season high with her tally, while O'Neal set a new career high.

"Although many of our players set new career marks," Mincey said. "I really felt like tonight everyone was trying to contribute in their own special way depending on what the moment called more. I feel like collectively we did really well as a team."

Carson-Newman trailed in the fifth set 6-3 before O'Neal's service game jump started a four-point run for the Eagles. The Eagles and Lions were tied at five points after O'Neal's run, but it was the Eagles that made the final push to pick up the victory.

"That was just a pivotal moment and a maturing moment for us, especially with a freshman getting a kill and then getting an ace. Kiayna wasn't in it for herself, she was in it for the team.

"We were into the game plan tonight. We followed out strategy and game plan even late, probably tonight more than most, we played to Mars Hill's strengths and weaknesses."

The Eagles defense had to deal with a red hot Marissa Wixson. The outside hitter had a match high 22 kills. However, that was countered by an Eagles defense that collectively crested the 100-dig plateau for the second time this season.

Carson-Newman hadn't had 100 digs in a match since 2009 when it had three matches topping 100 digs.

Five Carson-Newman players collected more than 10 digs, led by Angelle Hayes' (Brentwood, Tenn.) 38. Hayes surpassed 30 digs for the fourth time this year. She had gone above 30 digs five times in her first three seasons at Carson-Newman. Kristen Pickett (Cleveland, Tenn.) and Rachael Bowlin (Morristown, Tenn.) followed with 18 and 17.

"Rachael Bowlin, Angelle and Santarelli really hung in on their outside and did a nice jobs digging out those ball," Mincey said. "We funneled more for (Wixson) and made some defensive adjustments in game."

Pickett also dished out 50 helpers to collect her team leading ninth double-double of the year.

Mincey praised her seniors for keeping the Eagles on track.

"Angelle and Sabina did a great job of keeping the team focused and in check," Mincey said. Rachael was also locked in. Our seniors really stepped it up tonight."

The Eagles have the weekend off before returning to Holt Fieldhouse for a Tuesday match with rival Tusculum at 7 p.m. Live stats and video will be available for the contest at cneagles.com.

-CN-