Sweep of Catawba has Eagles off to best start since 2003
September 20, 2014

Sweep of Catawba has Eagles off to best start since 2003

SALISBURY, N.C. – Nine straight sets won by the 2014 version of the Carson-Newman Eagles (7-3, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) has set a new standard in program history as the Catawba Indians (0-0, 0-0 SAC) fell 25-21, 25-13 and 25-11 Saturday afternoon at Goodman Gym. The 3-0 league start is the best since 2003 and the nine consecutive set wins to start the campaign is unmatched in school history.

SALISBURY, N.C. – Nine straight sets won by the 2014 version of the Carson-Newman Eagles (7-3, 3-0 South Atlantic Conference) has set a new standard in program history as the Catawba Indians (0-0, 0-0 SAC) fell 25-21, 25-13 and 25-11 Saturday afternoon at Goodman Gym. The 3-0 league start is the best since 2003 and the nine consecutive set wins to start the campaign is unmatched in school history.

"It's great to see that can score points in bunches and serve really tough when we decide to turn it on," head coach Dan Ahiers said on the ride home. "I was a little concerned that we couldn't side out at a high percent today, but I was very impressed with our tough serving that lead to strings of points and good defense."

Despite hitting just .135 in the first frame, Carson-Newman won 14 of 19 points after the score was tied at seven before sophomore libero Taylor Lowe (Franklin, Tenn.) notched a service ace to earn a set one win. Senior outside hitter Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) led the way with six kills.

The Eagles surged out of the gates in the second set winning 15 of the first 20 points. Catawba could not muster a run and junior middle blocker Kiayna O'Neal (Katy, Texas) buried a ball to conclude the stanza. Senior middle blocker Jenna Wilson (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) had four kills in five attempt.

The visiting group was sitting on 24 points before the home club could reach double figures as the Eagles finished in the match in under an hour.

Harper led all players with 13 kills to go along with a .478 attack percentage, four service aces, seven digs and three block assists. Wilson added 11 kills on a .500 percentage and four block assists.

Ahiers' unit is back in action again Tuesday when Carson-Newman welcomes Mars Hill to Holt Fieldhouse for a 7:00 p.m. first serve.

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