Date Posted: 10/29/2006

MACON, Ga. – The Volley Bucs wrapped up the second perfect conference season in program history Sunday afternoon, sweeping past Mercer 30-19, 30-20, 30-26. ETSU finishes its Atlantic Sun season 9-0, matching the 1991 squad’s perfect season, and extends its school record winning streak to 13 straight matches.

With the victory, the Lady Bucs claim their first regular season Atlantic Sun Conference title. “We came out with great focus today,” said head coach Lindsey Devine. “We were determined to finish off a 9-0 conference season.”

With much of the squad battling flu-like symptoms, the Lady Bucs (22-5, 9-0) seized control of the match early on and never let up, hitting .269 for the match. ETSU hit .289 in the 11-point game one victory, led by seniors Sarah Buhr (Stockton, Calif.) and Jennifer Sartor’s (Toronto, Ontario) five kills apiece. Junior Michelle Mislan (Indianapolis, Ind.) followed with four kills of her own.

The Lady Bucs continued applying pressure in game two, hitting .385 as a team and cruising to the 10-point win. Senior Crystal Palmer (Chico, Calif.) headed the ETSU attack with six kills, followed by five from Sartor and junior Callie Kiselich’s (Colorado Springs, Colo.) four.

After taking a 29-17 lead, the Bears (10-18, 2-6) saved three game points before freshman Kristan Provchy (Norton, Ohio) staked the Lady Bucs to a 2-0 lead with her first kill of the match. Mercer took its only lead of the match at 2-1 in game three, but the Lady Bucs scored the next two points and never trailed again. Palmer and Sartor again led the charge for ETSU, belting six and five kills, respectively.

Senior Nani Emerson (Tracy, Calif.) directed the Lady Buc attack as usual, amassing a match-high 48 assists and leading the team with 15 digs. Junior Kaena Apana (Waianae, Hawaii) established her normal presence on the back row as well, digging up 12 balls. Mislan topped the ETSU defensive effort, throwing her hand in on four blocks.

“This was a total team effort,” said Devine. “Jen and Callie swung incredible, as did Crystal and Sarah. Michelle was a blocking machine, and Krystina Ramey played great defense for us off the bench. Kristan had that crucial kill to end game two, and Marissa Mortensen and Kaena did a great job covering the court and digging up balls. Nani was everywhere as always, distributing balls and running our offense.”

The Lady Bucs next close out their home schedule, taking on Western Carolina, Tuesday October 31 at 7 p.m. inside Brooks Gym.

Related Links:
 • A-Sun Volleyball
 • ETSU Website