Mercer University
Alabama A&M
Bears Stay Perfect at Home with Win Over Alabama A&M
9/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
MACON, Ga. – The Mercer University volleyball team improved to 3-0 when playing in Hawkins Arena this season after its 3-1 victory over Alabama A&M on Tuesday evening.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bears claimed the opener after a back-and-forth first set by a score of 25-23 and then won the second stanza fairly comfortably 25-19. After the second set Mercer looked primed to finish the match in three but the Lady Bulldogs had other ideas. Alabama A&M rallied to win the third 25-21 and trim the Mercer advantage to 2-1. The Bears regained their focus in the fourth frame and won the final set 25-21 to ensure the 3-1 victory.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Jordan Gollon's performance was the definition of efficient on Tuesday evening. The junior matched her season high in kills with seven on just 11 attempts. Gollon did not make an error, giving her an attacking percentage of .636, which is a career best for the Stevens Point, Wisc., native when recording at least five kills. Gollon also added three blocks, an ace and a dig to complete her best performance of 2015.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
With 10 aces on the evening, Mercer became the first Southern Conference team this season to record double-digit aces in multiple matches during the 2015 season. The 10 aces were one shy of the Bears' season-high 11 which came at Stetson in a five-set match on Sept. 11. Seven different Mercer players recorded at least one ace against the Lady Bulldogs with Tori Penrod leading the charge with three.
NOTABLES
- With the victory Mercer improves to 3-0 at home for the first time since the 2008 season.
- Gollon's attacking percentage of .636 is the second highest of any Mercer player this season in a match with recording at least five kills.
- Penrod dished out three aces on the night, marking the junior's 13th straight match with at least one ace.
- Sophomore Claire Waliczek led the Bears in assists with 30 on Tuesday and has now recorded at least 30 in three straight matches.
- Morgan MacGilvary posted 13 kills against the Lady Bulldogs and has reached double figures in kills in three consecutive matches.
- MacGilvary has now led Mercer in kills in eight of 11 matches this season.
- Monica Johnson tallied a season-high nine kills in the victory.
- Gabbi Meyering provided a spark off the bench with three kills on three attempts.
COACH DAMIAN ELDER'S TAKE
"I was happy with the win and extremely disappointed with my coaching. I felt like Alabama A&M was the perfect energy matchup for us tonight and we fought back with great energy, just not great coaching or great volleyball. I'm lucky our team is good and our fans are great!"
RECORDS UPDATE
With the win the Bears improve to 4-7 on the season and 3-0 in Hawkins Arena. Alabama A&M falls to 1-15 in 2015.
UP NEXT
The Bears hit the road to open up SoCon play this weekend with matches against Samford on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. EST and at Furman on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
STAY SOCIAL
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