Mercer University
Chattanooga
Mercer Falls to Chattanooga in Four Sets
10/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Mercer volleyball team lost a hard-fought match to the SoCon's top team, Chattanooga on Friday evening by a score of 3-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mocs put on an impressive display in their home gymnasium in the opening set, winning by a score of 25-15. However Mercer fought back and played a great second stanza to tie the match at 1-1 with a 25-22 victory. The Bears' second set win snapped Chattanooga's streak of consecutive sets won at eight.
After the 10-minute intermission Chattanooga came out focused and claimed the third set by a score of 25-17. The Mocs then used that momentum and finished the match in the fourth frame by a final of 25-11 to win by a final score of 3-1 and remain unbeaten in SoCon play.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Junior Ellie James recorded her second double-double of the season and 10th of her career on Friday evening. James did it all for the Bears at Chattanooga, leading the team in kills (12), aces (2) and tying the team lead for blocks (5). James was also the most efficient attacker for Mercer, posting a hitting percentage of .355, her best mark of the season. James also added 12 digs to cap off her performance.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
The Orange and Black totaled 11 blocks on Friday evening, marking the fifth time Mercer has reached double figures in the category. Eight different players recorded at least one block, with six reaching double figures. James and freshman Paige Alsten led the Bears' at the net with five blocks apiece. The 11 blocks are tied for the most of any SoCon team in conference action, tying Wofford's 11 against Western Carolina, however, Wofford's came in a five-set match.
NOTABLES
- With the loss, the Bears are now 9-12 against Chattanooga in the all-time series.
- Junior Tori Penrod recorded a team-high 24 digs and has reached double-digit digs in all 12 matches she has played in 2015. Penrod has now recorded 20 or more digs in five matches this season.
- With five blocks Alsten has now had multiple blocks in 10 consecutive matches and 13-of-15 matches on the season.
- The 12 kills for James mark a season high for the junior.
- Sophomores Claire Waliczek and Hannah Noon each posted double-digit assists at Chattanooga. Waliczek led the team with 13 and Noon added 12.
- Penrod's streak of 16 consecutive matches with an ace ended on Friday evening.
RECORDS UPDATE
The loss drops Mercer's record to 5-10 on the season and 1-3 in SoCon play. Chattanooga improves to 15-2 in 2015 and remains perfect in conference play at 4-0.
UP NEXT
Mercer travels across Tennessee to take on ETSU in a SoCon showdown. The match is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
STAY SOCIAL
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