Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Chicago State
Herd Takes Day Two Split at TIS Bookstore Classic
9/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 3, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - On the second and final day of the TIS Bookstore Classic, the Marshall University Thundering Herd split a pair of matches. Maryland was able to knock-off the Herd 3-1 in the first match of the day, but Marshall picked up a victory in the afternoon session 3-0
Match One:
Complete Box Score in PDF Format
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With both Kelly-Anne Billingy (Trincity, Trinidad) and Stephanie Cahill (Louisville, Ky.) in place for the second consecutive match, Herd head coach Mitch Jacobs was pleased to see Marshall with all its players in their normal position.
Opening the morning match, the Herd jumped out to an opening game victory 30-21 over the two-time defending Atlantic Coast Conference Champions Terrapins.
Billingy led all players with a game-high 32 kills for the Herd. Setting her up was Christin Bimberg (Schwerin, Germany) with a match-high of her own, 48 assists. Cahill posted a double-double with 11 kills and a tied match-high with 13 digs.
Jacobs said the team's defense was great especially matched up against a much bigger front line.
Marshall's Chelsea Lazar (Palm Harbor, Fla.) and Uche Ndubisi (Indianapolis, Ind.) put up five blocks and four blocks respectively. Lazar added to her defense with some offense recording eight kills and a hitting percentage of .467.
However, games two, three and four belonged to the Terps. Rattling off a 31-29, 30-20 and 30-28 string of games to rally and defeat the Herd.
Jacobs said even in defeat his team was making strides of improvements.
"We just keep playing better and better," he said. "We have been playing against some top teams and I thought our effort again today was excellent."
Match Two:
Complete Box Score in PDF Format
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After some encouraging play the past two matches the Herd was ready to gain its second victory of the season by taking down Chicago State 3-0 (30-21, 30-13, 30-15).
With Bimberg's 34 assists, setting the table for the Herd; Billingy led all players again putting down 17 kills and an attack percentage of .556. She was followed by Ndubisi's 10 kills.
Outside hitter Jalicia Ross (Bank Village, Trinidad) also logged time on the court and contributed with four kills and a .500 hitting percentage.
After the victory Jacobs said he was glad the team coalesced versus Chicago State.
"We were able to build from the other matches we played and put it all together," he said.
Up next for the Herd is former Mid-American Conference rival Miami (Ohio). The RedHawks are 3-3 on the season and will face the Herd in the Cam Henderson Center for Marshall's home opener 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 5.
After having two weekend road trips Jacobs said he is glad the Herd is able to come home to the friendly confines of the Cam and was excited about the home debut of the team.
