Monday, August 28, 2006

Belmont Bruins

The Belmont Bruins (2-0) opened up their 2006 campaign in grand style in the heart of dixie, claiming convincing wins over Samford and host Birmingham-Southern as part of the Magic/Music City Challenge. Senior Katie Tobiasz and junior Colleen Nilson were named to the All-Tournament Team. Tobiasz in particular showcased some trademark hitting prowess, recording a career-high 18 kills and hitting percentage of .593 in the win over Samford.

Campbell Camels

Campbell went 2-1 to open the season with victories over Charleston Southern and Savannah State, dropping one match to Georgia Southern. Rookie Ashley Weers led the Camels with 38 kills, 3.80 kills per game, 9 service aces, .90 service aces per game...averaged 4.8 points per game (second most on team).

ETSU Bucaneers

Senior Jennifer Emerson was named to the All-Tournament team at the Charlotte Classic this past weekend, where the Lady Bucs posted a 1-1 record, including their first ever victory over N.C. State. In two matches, Emerson dished out 84 assists, while compiling a .393 attack percentage, committing just one error and putting down 12 kills in 28 total attacks. She also served up four aces over the course of the weekend.

Gardner-Webb Bulldogs

In two of the first three matches, freshman Regina Feagin recorded double-digits in the assist category. Against Marquette, she tallied 52 assists while also compiling 18 digs, essentially recording a double-double. The one match that she didn’t reach double figures in assists, Feagin nearly had a double-double after dishing out eight assists and totaling seven digs. In her effort to help Gardner-Webb win, junior Audra Harrison was second on the squad with 41 digs. She was named to the all-tournament team for her effort. With her 41 digs, she became the first GWU student-athlete to surpass the 800-dig plateau since the school has moved to Division I.

Jacksonville Dolphins

The Dolphins are off to their best start in the past three seasons. Last year, JU opened the season 1-9 and two years ago the Dolphins opened the year 0-7. Jacksonville will be back in action on Friday and Saturday as they host Southeast Lousiana, Georgia Southern and Lafayette at the JU Invitational.

Kennesaw State Owls

In their first ever match, KSU dropped a 3-0 decision to Georgia State on Friday night. Junior Ashley Landers led the way for the Owls with seven kills and eight points. The Owls will host Auburn on Tuesday. Start time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Lipscomb Bisons

The Lady Bisons volleyball team beat Birmingham-Southern and Samford Saturday in the Magic-Music City Invite, marking the first time the team has opened the season 2-0. Ann Mullins, 2005 Libero of the Year, combined for 49 digs in the two four-game matches with Birmingham-Southern and Samford. Mullins and opposite Lindsey Rutherford were named to the All-Tournament Team. .

Mercer Bears

Sophomore middle blocker/outside hitter Karen Dorris recorded a career-high 14 kills and 5 service aces against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday. Junior outside hitter Drennan Dexheimer recorded her first career double-double with 10 kills and 13 digs against South Alabama. Freshman setter Chelsea Gebben made her college debut against Mississippi Valley State on and had match-high 24 assists and added 7 digs. Junior rightside hitter Julie Darty recorded career-high 13 digs against South Alabama on Saturday.

UNF Ospreys

The UNF volleyball team opened its 2006 season last weekend at the Troy/Hampton Inn Spiketacular in Troy, Ala. The Lady Ospreys lost to Tulsa in their opener, committing 33 hitting errors and 12 service errors in a 3-0 loss. After another loss against Saint Mary’s, the Lady Ospreys took out tournament host Troy 3-1 to close out tournament play. Emily Kohler had a solid tournament after starting slow in her first match. The senior hit .267 for the tournament with 33 kills. UNF will face UCF on Tuesday and then plays host to the 11th Annual UNF Labor Day Classic on Friday and Saturday.

Stetson Hatters

The Hatters opened the season with a 0-3 mark at the UCF Invitational. Stetson dropped matches against UCF, FIU and BYU. Junior Gina Iacona helped lead the Hatters for the weekend with 17 kills and earned all-tournament honors. Stetson will face FSU, Eastern Illinois and South Alabama this weekend at the FSU Invitational.