Mercer University
Fla. Gulf Coast
Volleyball Edged by Florida Gulf Coast, 3-2
9/22/2012 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer volleyball team's bid for five-straight wins came up just short on Saturday afternoon as the Bears fell to Florida Gulf Coast 3-2 (25-15, 23-25, 25-13, 23-25, 13-15) at Hawkins Arena.
Mercer's loss snapped a four-match unbeaten streak and sent the Bears to 6-7 (2-1 A-Sun) on the season, while FGCU moved to 6-7 (2-0 A-Sun) with its second-straight win.
Senior Monica Sanchez turned in a career performance in the loss, tallying her fifth double-double of the year with 50 assists and 10 digs. Her assist total bested her previous high by one and marked Mercer's highest assist total since Madeline Dolny collected 50 on October 22, 2011.
Freshman Molly Locke and senior Jamie Duffy also had double-doubles on Saturday. Locke crushed a match-high 20 kills and notched 17 digs, while Duffy paired 10 kills with 17 digs. Senior Jennifer Katona led the Bears in attacking efficiency, knocking down eight kills with only a single error on 23 swings.
After the teams split the opening two sets, FGCU raced out to a 5-1 lead in the third set and ultimately cruised to a 25-13 victory. In the fourth set, matters were tied 22-22 before a thunderous kill by Charlayna Braxton and a FGCU attacking error gave the Bears set-point. Moments later, sophomore Caroline Carlton sent the match to a fifth set with a well-placed attack.
In the fifth set, Mercer trailed 4-0 before battling back to tie the frame at eight apiece. Later, the set was tied 11-11 before the Eagles created separation with back-to-back points before winning the set 15-13.
Junior libero Emily Rochefort added 21 digs, three assists and a service ace in the loss. Senior Codi Schepp had her second-straight match with double-figure digs, booking 12.
Mercer returns to action hosting Northern Kentucky on September 28. Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
