Volleyball Downs UNF to Extend Winning Streak
Andy Stabell
11/13/2009 10:32:54 PM
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mercer senior setter Chelsea Gebben dished out 14 assists and notched 11 digs to help the Bears claim a 3-1 (14-25, 25-14, 25-14, 26-24) victory over UNF in Friday night’s Atlantic Sun volleyball match held at the UNF Arena. Friday’s victory marked the fifth-straight win for the surging Bears.
Mercer moves to 11-17 (9-10 A-Sun) while UNF drops to 10-19 (4-15 A-Sun). Mercer is now 6-3 when facing an A-Sun opponent for a second time this season.
“A win is a win no matter how you get it,” Mercer head coach Noelle Rooke said. “I’m thankful to keep up the winning ways.”
Gebben’s double-double effort marked the eighth time this season the setter has turned in double digit assists and digs. Sophomore outside hitter Rachel Urbelis totaled a team-high 13 kills and contributed eight digs in the winning effort.
In the first set, Mercer started slowly, allowing the hosts to take a 13-6 lead. Mercer battled back, but could only get within three of the Lady Ospreys in the opening stanza.
In the second set, Mercer jumped out to an 8-3 lead before the UNF coaching staff was forced to call timeout. The stoppage did little to discourage the Bears as they rolled to a 25-14 second set victory.
In the third set, the Orange and Black held a slim 9-8 lead before ripping off a 16-6 run to close out the frame.
In the final set, Mercer fell behind 11-7 before charging back to take a 16-14 lead. This time, UNF responded as the teams traded scores until the set was knotted at 24 apiece. With the score tied, Mercer benefitted from two consecutive UNF errors.
Sophomore setter Nickie Halbert dished out 20 assists and tallied six digs in the win. Halbert has now posted 20 or more digs in three straight contests.
"We'd love to cap our season with a win tomorrow against an always tough Jacksonville squad," Rooke said.
Mercer concludes regular season play against the Dolphins on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.