Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
North Carolina A&T
Volleyball Sweeps North Carolina A&T
9/8/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 8, 2009
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Marshall University volleyball team used a balanced attack to sweep North Carolina A&T, 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-23), in a non-conference match at the Corbett Sports Center, Tuesday evening.
The Herd continues on its historic pace to open the season, and now owns an 8-0 record. During the impressive start, MU has swept four opponents, gone to four sets in three matches, and has been forced to a fifth and deciding game on just one occasion - to Charlotte this past weekend.
"Whew...we'll take any win we can get on the road," head coach Mitch Jacobs said. "Give [North Carolina] A&T all the credit in the world, what a fantastic effort they threw at us tonight."
Several members of the Herd contributed in the three-game sweep of the Aggies. Kristin Marcum hit for a match-high nine kills, while also recording 15 digs and three block assists. Elizabeth Fleming followed up her Conference USA Setter of the Week announcement by distributing a match-best 24 helpers along with five digs.
"I'm pleased at our ability to play through the very different lineups we went with tonight," Jacobs said. "It takes a lot of communication when you're not in your comfort zone on the court."
Katy Schad connected for seven kills and a team-high 16 digs, while Ryanne Milligan chipped in with 12 digs and seven assists for the winners.
Abby Tomas had one of her best stat lines of her young career. The freshman totaled five kills, five digs, two block assists and a service ace.
"Abby continues to make positive strides! I enjoy watching her learning curve as she keeps working to improve," Jacobs said.
Kelley Bugler made her first appearance of the season for MU after her 2008 campaign was ended abruptly with an injury. Bugler tallied four kills along with two block assists for the Herd.
"It was nice to see Kelley get back on the court," Jacobs said. "She's a long way from where she was before her injury, but she is an amazing influence on the court energy wise."
NC A&T (0-8) totaled four players with 10-or-more digs on the evening. Stacey Malone led the Aggies with 18 digs, while Janae Mitchell (14), Bridget McCaskill (13) and Tiffany Mellette (11) rounded out the double-digit contributors.
MU is back on the court Wednesday against UNC Greensboro in Greensboro, N.C. at the Fleming Gymnasium. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. with live stats available at www.uncgspartans.com.
