Mercer University
Fla. Gulf Coast
Volleyball Succumbs to Florida Gulf Coast, 3-2
10/25/2013 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MACON, Ga. – Junior Caroline Carlton piled up 17 kills and Carly Iannarino had 30 assists, but their efforts weren't enough to stop Florida Gulf Coast from earning a 3-2 (25-21, 14-25, 25-16, 18-25, 15-7) victory on Friday night at Hawkins Arena.
Mercer fell to 1-21 (0-12 A-Sun) while FGCU picked up its third win in the last four outings and improved to 11-12 (7-3 A-Sun).
Carlton reached her team-high 17 kills on 33 swings with only four errors while hitting .394. Freshman Ellie James joined her in double figure kills with 11 and registered her fourth double-double of the year by adding 14 digs.
The first frame set the tone for the match as the Bears and Eagles battled through 10 tie scores and three lead changes. The turning point came as the teams were knotted at 20-20 and the Eagles started a 4-1 run to take control of the set.
Mercer got on the board in the second set, scoring four-straight points midway through the stanza to stake an insurmountable eight-point advantage. The next two frames were split, setting the stage for a deciding fifth set.
FGCU quickly gained control, jumping out to a 5-1 lead and never looking back en route to the win.
Redshirt junior Cara Tripp was impressive at the net, three block solos, three block assists and seven kills in the losing effort. Sophomore Molly Locke registerd 20 digs in the loss while senior Emily Rochefort notched a team-high 22 digs. Freshman Tori Penrod booked 14 assists and four digs.
Mercer resumes its homestand against Stetson on Saturday. Match time is scheduled for 3 p.m.
