Mercer University
Georgia St.
Volleyball Rolls Past Georgia State
9/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MACON, Ga. – Senior Anna Coursey led the way with 10 kills as the Mercer volleyball team downed Georgia State 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-23) in Tuesday evening's non-conference match at the University Center.
Mercer's second-straight win moved the team to 3-8 on the season while Georgia State slipped to 4-8.
"We were able to execute at the right times and did our job defensively," Mercer head coach Noelle Rooke said. "We are very thankful to come away with a victory tonight."
Coursey's 10 kills came on 20 attempts as the Savannah, Ga. native finished the evening with a .350 hitting percentage. Coursey also added a pair of digs in the win.
Mercer junior Jamie Duffy narrowly missed a double-double, posting a match-high 23 digs and nine kills against the Panthers. Seniors Charlotte Harris and Amiee Frutchey also recorded double-digit digs, collecting 20 and 10 respectively.
Mercer's victory over Georgia State marked Mercer's fifth win over Georgia State in 37 all-time meetings. Three of Mercer's five wins over the in-state rival belong to teams guided by Rooke.
In the first set, Georgia State senior Vineece Verdun slapped a kill to give the Panthers an 18-15 advantage. Rooke responded by calling a timeout. Following the stoppage, Coursey pounded a kill off Verdun's block attempt, sparking a 5-1 Mercer surge that saw the team claim its first lead of the match.
Moments later, the teams were deadlocked at 23 before the Bears scored consecutive points via a kill by junior Jennifer Katona and a Georgia State attacking error.
In the second set, Mercer broke away from a slim 16-15 advantage with a 4-1 run. The Bears retained the advantage the remainder of the frame.
In the final set, the scoreboard reflected a 22-22 tie before freshman Caroline Carlton smashed a kill and Monica Sanchez served an ace to give the Bears a match-point opportunity. Minutes later, a Georgia State attacking error sealed the contest.
Mercer held advantages in hitting percentage (.180-.159), assists (39-36), digs (73-66) and service aces (3-1).
The Bears next test comes on Saturday afternoon at the University Center versus Florida A&M. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m.
