CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. -- In their second match in three days, the Campbellsville University Lady Tigers volleyball team put the hammer down on the Bearcats of Brescia University, beating them in just three sets (25-18, 25-10, and 25-16), Thursday night in Powell Athletic Center.
Campbellsville struggled to gain ground in the first set as they made several hitting and defensive errors, but after a Brescia timeout the Lady Tigers came out roaring with a kill by Tara Robertson and a pair of aces by Caitlin Dresing. After a series of attacking mistakes on Brescia's side, the Campbellsville women were able to finish them off, 25-18.
The second set went by much more quickly, as hitters Laura DeGear, Kelly Moyer, and Daiane Souza began by slamming down five kills for an early lead. Halfway through the game, the alternate setter, freshman Kennedy Shutter, came in and was able to assist on four kills and had an attack of her own, leaving the Bearcats in the dust at 25-10. Shutter finished the night with 13 assists, while starting setter Kira Stewart had 20.
In the third set, again Campbellsville left Brescia breathless as they opened with a combination of kills, blocks, and aces. One of the key plays of the night was made by Souza, a junior right side from Brazil. She rose out of a long rally at 7-4, first blocking a Bearcat attack and then the very next play, putting the ball away at the 10-foot line. She went on to lead all players with 11 kills in the match.
Following Souza's spike, Brescia's scrappy defense helped hang on, but its service errors combined with CU's effective attacks brought the Lady Tigers to match victory, 25-16.
Although the Tigers' communication was not stellar, their offensive attacks and defensive digs allowed them to overtake the Bearcats easily in only three sets. Laura DeGear was just off Souza's lead with nine kills in the match, while Haley Bechtel led the Lady Tigers' defense with 12 digs. CU held Brescia to only 14 kills in the match, led by Jordan King's five kills and Chelsea McFarland's four. Tierra Samuel and Erin Harper had six digs each for the Bearcats.
The Lady Tigers (2-0) will attempt to extend their two-game win streak Saturday at Asbury University in a 2 p.m. EDT match. CU was originally scheduled to also play Mount Vernon Nazarene University at 4 p.m., but that match has been canceled. Fans can follow Saturday's match by visiting www.CampbellsvilleTigers.com and www.AsburyEagles.com.
