Mercer University
South Carolina State
Bears Breeze by Bulldogs in Straight-Set Victory
9/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MACON, Ga. – Mercer remained unblemished when playing in Hawkins Arena in 2015, dispatching of South Carolina State rather handily by a score of 3-0 for its third win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bears pulled out a tight opening set, pulling away at the end to win 25-21. Mercer then dominated the Bulldogs in the second stanza, coasting to a 25-16 victory. The third set was close throughout, much like the first, as Mercer claimed the final frame 25-20 to complete the sweep.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Morgan MacGilvary finished with double-digit blocks for the fifth time this season, leading the Bears with 11 in the victory over the Bulldogs, despite only playing in the first two sets. The sophomore was fairly efficient on the day, recording the 11 kills in 22 attacks to finish with a hitting percentage of .364. The Plano, Texas, native also added three digs, two aces and two blocks to complete her performance.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
As it has been for much of the season, Mercer's service game was an asset for the Bears on Saturday afternoon. The team totaled nine aces to South Carolina State's five. Six different Mercer players recorded at least one ace with MacGilvary, Ellie James and Tori Penrod each posting two. The nine aces are tied for the second most the Bears have produced in 2015.
NOTABLES
- With the victory Mercer improves its record to 2-0 at home during 2015.
- The straight-set decision gave the Bears their second 3-0 win of the season, with the other coming during the opening weekend against Southern (8/29).
- James recorded a season-high 12 digs in the match.
- Penrod dished out two aces on the night, marking the junior's 12th straight match with at least one ace.
- Sophomore Claire Waliczek led the Bears in assists with 33 on Saturday, giving the Chicago native 67 on the week.
- MacGilvary has now led Mercer in kills in seven of 10 matches this season.
RECORDS UPDATE
With the win the Bears improve to 3-7 on the season and 2-0 in Hawkins Arena. South Carolina State falls to 0-8 in 2015.
UP NEXT
The Bears wrap up their three-match homestand with a showdown against Alabama A&M from the SWAC. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22 with a start time set for 6 p.m. in Hawkins Arena.
STAY SOCIAL
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