CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – After going the distance in five sets last Friday, the Campbellsville Lady Tigers swept the University of the Cumberlands in three sets tonight (25-17, 25-18, 25-11) in the Powell Athletic Center.
Campbellsville scored early and often when Lady Tiger senior, Rinata Aisena, had her first of a season-high, 17 kills.
The first set went back and fourth for both squads, but Campbellsville took control of the match after Cumberlands tied the set at 9-9. The Lady Tigers went on an 8-2 run that forced University of Cumberlands coach, Kathryn Hart, to call a time out. Coming out of that meeting, the seniors for CU started their solid play. After kills by Giselle Hernandez, Daiane Souza, Aisena and an ace by Kelly Moyer, the first set came to an end 25-17.
The second set began with an ace from junior setter Jackie Schwieger, and the seniors started to take over again.
Moyer, Aisena and Souza scored every point but two in the second set. Head coach Amy Zink, took notice of the big nights by her seniors.
"We were able to use the seniors tonight because our serve receives and transition passing were great.," said Zink. "When we pass like that our big hitters will capitalize."
Another senior, Caitlin Dresing, had a huge night as well. She recorded 24 digs and 21 service receptions. Her receives and Schwieger's passing could have been overlooked without a stat sheet.
The second set ended with a kill by sophomore Jana Kortas and assist from Latvia native, Krista Mihelsone. The score was 25-18.
There seemed to not be as much pressure on the Lady Tigers tonight as Cumberlands struggled to find any rhythm in their game, but Zink does not worry about how the other team is playing.
"It doesn't matter about them not playing well," said Zink. "It was because we were putting pressure on them with our receiving and passing. When we play like that, we will be hard to beat."
The third set started similar to the second; a point by Schwieger started the scoring and then the seniors got right back in on the action. Cumberlands scored three points in a row and showed a little life, but Hernandez received a pass from Schwieger and jump-started the Lady Tigers' attack. Campbellsville won 14 out of the next 20 points to close the match 25-11
"The sky is the limit when we have good passing to our big hitters," said Zink. "Our seniors took control of the game and that shows the potential we have in our team. All four hitters got in on the action and shared the work load."
The Lady Tigers are now 2-0 and 1-0 in the Mid-South Conference. They continue MSC play on Saturday when they host the RedStorm of Rio Grande. Game time is set for 1 p.m. in Powell Athletic Center.
Notables on the match:
Kills: Aisena, 17; Souza, 13; Moyer, 10
Hitting Percentage: Aisena, .570; Souza, .370.
Assists: Schwieger, 32; Mihelsone, 14.
Digs: Dresing, 24.
Team Service Aces: 6
To follow the Lady Tiger volleyball team, check out Lady Tiger Volleyball on Twitter at @CUTigerVball. For all CU Athletic scores, stats and updates, follow @CvilleTigers. And on Facebook at Campbellsville Tigers
