Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
UCF
Herd Volleyball Hammers UCF, 3-0
10/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 9, 2005
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Thundering Herd volleyball teamed pitched its fifth-straight shutout in as many matches against Conference USA opponents Sunday afternoon as it downed UCF 3-0 (30-18, 30-14, 30-23) in the Cam Henderson Center.
Marshall was dominant throughout out as it upped its record to 13-4 on the year and 5-0 in C-USA play to remain in first place. UCF dropped to 4-9 on the year and is 2-4 in league play.
On the day, Marshall outhit UCF .333 to .048 and was better on the defensive end, winning the battle of the block nine to three while outdigging the Golden Knights 31-24.
Marshall also improved to 5-0 at home this season and is now 29-4 in its last 33 matches in the Cam Henderson Center with the win.
"We played a great team game today," Marshall head coach Mitch Jacobs said. "Everyone who had the opportunity helped us and that's what we need to have happen to be successful."
Stephanie Cahill led the way for the Herd with a dynamic offensive output. The sophomore put down 17 kills for a .696 hitting percentage. Sophomore counterpart Kelly-Anne Billingy also had a stellar day with 15 kills and a .440 hitting percentage to help take down the Golden Knights.
Things got rolling quickly for the Herd in game one thanks to seven kills from Cahill on eight swings. Marshall grabbed and early lead at 3-2 and continued to build it throughout as it went on for the 30-18 game one win.
In game two, UCF was battling the Herd point for point in the early going and took an 8-5 lead. Billingy would tie it at 8-8 and then Chelsea Lazar added a spark for the Herd off the bench to help swing the momentum in favor of the Green and White. Lazar put down an unassisted kill on a free ball floating over the net and then combined with setter Katie Stein for a big block on the next play to give the Herd a 10-8 lead. Lazar would then take over the serve and help the Herd build a six-point lead. Marshall would continue to roll through game two with a .600 team hitting percentage to take the 2-0 lead into intermission.
Cahill and Billingy were dominant once again in game three as the duo combined for 12 kills to help propel the Herd on to victory.
For Marshall, Stein had 43 assists on the day and two service aces to tie the Mashall all-time record of 170 held by Bridget Repsher.
Up next, the Herd hits the road to UAB and Memphis as it continues play in Conference USA.
"The most important thing we need to do right now is start getting ready for UAB," Jacobs said.
