Mercer University
Kennesaw St.
Volleyball Edged by Kennesaw State, 3-2
10/19/2013 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MACON, Ga. – Freshman outside hitter Ellie James booked a season-high 17 kills to go along with 14 digs as the Mercer volleyball team dropped a 3-2 (25-21, 25-19, 22-25, 25-17, 15-11) decision to Kennesaw State on Saturday at Hawkins Arena.
Mercer's loss dropped the team to 1-19 (0-10 A-Sun) while Kennesaw State improved to 8-11 (3-6 A-Sun).
James' third double-double of the season saw the Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina native take 41 attacking attempts with just two errors for a .366 hitting percentage. Junior Caroline Carlton was also sharp offensively, hitting .440 by virtue of 13 kills on 25 swings with two errors.
All told, four Mercer players reach double figure dig totals, led by senior Emily Rochefort's 23. Senior setter Carly Iannarino posted a team-high 32 assists while freshman Tori Penrod added 19 helpers.
After dropping the first two sets, the Bears broke away from a 21-21 tie in the third set to take a 25-22 win. In the fourth set, Mercer limited the visitors to a paltry -.020 hitting percentage while cruising to the 25-17 win.
In the deciding frame, Mercer held a 7-5 advantage before Kennesaw State went on a 5-0 run to go head by three. The Bears got back within two at 12-10 before the Owls scored three of the matches' final four points to secure the win.
The match marked Mercer second five-set match of the season. The team's .210 hitting percentage was its second highest mark of the season and featured 56 kills on 167 attempts with 21 errors. Freshman Jordan Gollon and sophomores Cara Tripp and Molly Locke each had seven kills in the losing effort.
Mercer's 12 total blocks tied the team's season-high set against Jacksonville State on August 30. Senior Zoe Becton led the way at the net with six block assists and a block solo.
Mercer returns to A-Sun play at East Tennessee State on October 22. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
