Bears Win Big in Chattanooga

Sunday, February 28

Chattanooga, TN

4 p.m.

Mercer University

7-5,7-2SoCon

Chattanooga

5-6,3-6SoCon

Mercer

Chattanooga

Photo by: Mitch Robinson

2/28/2021 6:54:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Mercer continues their win streak with 3-1 win over the Mocs

By: Jesika Moore

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Derek Schroeder and the Mercer Bears stretched their win streak to six with an exciting 3-1 win over the Chattanooga Mocs on Sunday afternoon. Junior Annie Karle registered her fifth double-double of the season in the match.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Set One (25-19) | Mercer started the match off scoring the first point of the match with a Chattanooga service error. The Mocs would go on a 4-2 run to take a 5-3 lead in the set. The Black and Orange would close the gap with kills from Malia Randolph, Rayanne de Oliveira, and Taylor Lynch. Chattanooga would continue to lead the set and end up taking it 25-19.

Set Two (26-24) | The Bears started the second set taking the first point with a kill from Brittany Major. De Oliveira and Howell would follow in suit giving Mercer a one-point lead over the Mocs. Annie Karle started a 5-1 run to grow the Bears lead. Chattanooga would make a comeback and take the lead. From there, both teams would trade points, Mercer trying to cut the deficit. A late 5-1 run from Mercer would give the Bears the 26-24 win in the second set.

Set Three (25-20) | Mercer quickly fell behind 0-6 to start the third set. A kill from Jaida Howell, a service ace from Major, and a couple of errors from the Mocs would cut the lead to three. The set stayed close, the largest lead being one point. A ball handling error from the Mocs would tie the game at 19. A kill from Annie Karle would put Mercer within four points from taking the set. Chattanooga would score one more but Mercer took the set with an attack error from the Mocs.

Set Four (28-26) | The Bears again went down 0-5 in the fourth set. Taylor Lynch got Mercer on the board with a kill from Agnieska Paskevic. Howell, Randolph, Karle, and a few errors helped the Black and Orange close to gap to three points. Brittany's block and a sneak attack from Malia Randolph continued to close the gap, this time the Bears were down by two. Three straight points from the Bears tied the game at 17. A service ace from Lexi Uhrhan and a block from Annie Karle would get Mercer to 17. Both teams continued to fight, tying again at 20. The Mocs went up 23-20 but Mercer clawed their way back the set went to extra points. Malia Randolph would score two straight to put the Bears within one. The Mocs would have an attack error and Mercer would take the set and match.

DEX QUOTE
"That was an off day for us but we just made plays at the end of sets. There were some key blocks, tough serves, and big swings at important times that elevated us when we needed it. Sometimes you have to win ugly on the road."

NOTABLES

With the win, Mercer stretches their win streak to six, continuing the best start in Mercer recorded history.
Annie Karle registered her fifth double-double of the season with 11 kills and 16 digs in the match.
Jaida Howell had 14 kills on 28 total attacks, giving her a .357 hitting percentage. She also led the team with three block solos and four block assists.
Annie Karle and Brittany Major both led the team with two service aces in the match.
Four Bears had double-digit digs- Annie Karle (16), Megan Smith (12), Brittany Major (10), and Lexi Uhrhan (10).

UP NEXT
The Bears will continue their series against Chattanooga tomorrow at 4 p.m.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of Mercer Volleyball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerBearsVB (Twitter), and @mercervolleyball (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.