Friday, September 21, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 21, 2007) - The ETSU volleyball team was able to hold off Jacksonville in the conference opener Friday night in Brooks Gym extending its home winning streak to 12 games, 30-27, 23-30, 30-14, 25-30, 15-12.

"I like that our team fought hard until the end," said head coach Lindsey Devine. "Again we had another player come off of the bench for us and give us a spark that helped us to win."

Freshman Laura Waddell (Lynchburg, Va.), led the Buc attack with 19 kills and three service aces. Freshman Erin Ryan (Davie, Fla.), was excellent for the Bucs off of the bench sparking the team at the right time with a career high 13 kills. Senior Callie Kiselich (Colorado Springs, Colo.), also had double digit kills as she tallied 12 kills.

"We have had some excellent play off of the bench in the past couple weeks, and Erin did a great job for us tonight," Devine said. "She went out there and played with desire and helped to lift the team."

Sophomore Amanda Youell (Middleburg, Fla.), who transferred from Jacksonville, had a double-double for the second consecutive match collecting 52 assists and 12 digs. Youell also had six kills as she was able to deceive the Dolphin defense throughout the match. Senior Kaena Apana (Waianae, Hawaii), led the Bucs from the back with 22 digs.

"Amanda did a great job for us again, and I am glad that she was able to defeat her old team." Devine said. "The past couple days we had worked on having fun and being able to play with stress so that we can stay focused in games like the one tonight. I think that was a key factor in this game."

The Bucs averaged almost 16 kills per game on the Dolphins, who feature the conference leader in blocks. The Bucs totaled 71 kills on the night, while holding Jacksonville to only 44 kills.

Freshman Lauren Baufield (Plymouth, Minn.), had a crucial kill in game five as the Bucs were able to take control and put away Jacksonville. Marissa Mortensen (Elk Grove, Ill.), had four service aces and four digs for the Bucs.

"The crowd was electrifying and we wanted to get the win for them," Devine said. "This was a great win for our program."