Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
ETSU
Volleyball Downed by ETSU 3-1
9/3/2012 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 3, 2012
JOHNSON CITY, TENN. - Marshall traveled to East Tennessee State on Monday night and fell to the Buccaneers 3-1 (25-18, 17-25, 25-20, 25-23). The Herd came out strong, winning the first set, but ETSU's defense and accuracy at the net proved the difference.
Marshall dropped to 3-4 with the defeat, while ETSU improved to 7-2.
"East Tennessee State out-hustled and out-competed us tonight," said head coach Mitch Jacobs. "We have a lot of good kids in this group, but they've got to learn that trying and giving everything to compete are the difference right now."
The Herd was led by junior outside hitter Laura Der who combined for a team-leading 18 kills, 15 digs, two service aces, and a team-high three blocks. The match marks Der's third double-double of the season.
Senior outside hitter Katy Schad followed with 14 kills of her own. She only committed four attack errors on the night and finished the match with a .278 hitting percentage. She also totaled 15 digs for the night, giving her four double-doubles thus far on the year.
Setter Sammie Bane posted 40 assists and eight digs in the match, while junior libero Dorothy Rahal contributed nine digs.
"East Tennessee has a nice team and gave us a lesson in never quitting on a play," continued Jacobs. "I look forward to seeing us start to learn from this kind of effort. I definitely started to see some upper classmen start to push people and that led to a tight fourth set."
The deciding factor in the match proved to be the Buccaneer's blocking. Six different players registered a block for ETSU. The team was led by Meredith Hardy and Jessica Shafer, who both accounted for five blocks each. Hardy now totals 51 blocks for the season.
All-Atlantic Sun preseason selection Megan Devine put up 22 kills against the Herd and finished with a double-double after also posting 15 digs. She finished the night with only three attack errors, giving her a .365 hitting percentage.
Marshall will return home for its next match against Morehead State. First serve will start at noon on Wednesday, September 5. Be sure to check out the volleyball webpage at HerdZone.com for more details.
