Mercer University
Western Caro.
Volleyball Tops Western Carolina on Senior Day
11/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MACON, Ga. – Junior Molly Locke became the second player in Mercer volleyball program history to reach 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs as the Bears topped Western Carolina 3-1 (25-23, 19-25, 25-18, 25-17) in Sunday's regular season finale.
Mercer closed the year at 11-19 (6-10 SoCon), garnering the No. 6 seed in the upcoming Southern Conference Tournament. Western Carolina fell to 16-14 (9-7 SoCon) with the loss.
Locke's 17th double-double of the season featured 19 kills and 16 digs to go along with three service aces and three block-assists. For her career Locke now owns 1,015 kills, surpassing Jackie Viren for fifth most in school history.
Sophomore Ellie James, senior Caroline Carlton and freshman Emily Krogman all reached double-figure kill totals in the winning effort. James tallied 15 on 37 attempts, Carlton totaled 11 on 36 attempts and Krogman posted 11 on 23 attempts.
The Bears got off to a quick start on Sunday, using a 6-1 charge early in the first set to assume an 11-6 advantage. The Catamounts battled back to take the lead at 23-22, but Mercer rallied for three-straight scores to claim the opening set.
The visitors pulled even in the second set, employing an extended 8-4 run to stake a 17-13 lead. The Bears couldn't get any closer than three from thereon.
Mercer took control of the third set with a 10-4 run midway through the frame. In the fourth set, the Bears broke open an 18-11 advantage and cruised to the finish line.
Sophomore Hannah Noon tied the SoCon's top assist mark in a four-set match this season with 58. Noon's career best total came in conjunction with 11 digs for her second double-double of the year.
Sophomore Tori Penrod notched a match-high 22 digs, two service aces and an assist in the winning effort.
The Bears will now face either UNCG or ETSU in the quarterfinals of the SoCon Tournament at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22.
