Marshall University Athletics
@HerdVolleyball Sweeps Day One At Eagle Challenge
8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Indiana State vs. Marshall Final Stats | Marshall at Morehead State Final Stats | Overall Stats
MOREHEAD, KY. - Marshall volleyball started its 2015 campaign at the Eagle Challenge with impressive wins over Indiana State and the host school Morehead State on Friday, Aug. 28. The Herd defeated the Sycamores by a score of 3-1 (19-25, 31-29, 25-19, 25-20), while downing the Eagles in straight sets, 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-19).
In the first match of the day, the Herd faced Indiana State. Marshall started slow as it dropped the first set and found itself in a seven-point hole in the second set with the score, 9-2. The Herd began to gradually climb itself out of the deficit with kills from junior Cassie Weaver (Hungtington, W.Va.) and sophomore Taylor Pelton (Louisville, Ky.). Marshall erased the Sycamore lead as it tied the set up at 16-all. After the Herd tied the game up, it became a back-and-forth affair between the two teams. Marshall eventually came out as the winner with back-to-back kills from Pelton and Weaver, both assisted by sophomore Kayla Simmons (Gainesville, Fla.).
Blocking was a key factor in the Herd's second set victory, as they recorded six blocks of its 12 block total from the match in the single set. The six rejections came from senior Lauren Legge (Pliny, W.Va.), junior Ally Kiekover (Grand Rapids, Mich.), sophomore Justice Craft (Kentwood, Mich.) and sophomore Taylor Pelton.
"Our blocking was very solid all match and got a lot of quality touches," Herd coach Mitch Jacobs said. "Our focus all preseason has been defense and limiting the unforced attack errors and it showed today."
After climbing back from a huge deficit to win the second set, Marshall never looked back and continued with its strong performance. The Herd began the set on a 3-0 run, including a kill from Craft. A kill from Craft became a common theme in the third set, as she had six on nine attacks. A service ace from Simmons and a kill by Craft help lead Marshall to its largest lead of the set, 17-9. Indiana State was able to bring the score within two points, but the Herd quickly responded and pushed the lead back to five. A service error by the Sycamores gave the Herd its second straight set win.
With two sets in hand, Marshall entered the fourth set in hopes to make it the final set against Indiana State. The Herd would do just that as the game remained close to start, but Marshall pulled away to an 11-6 lead off a kill from Simmons. The Herd continued to apply the pressure to the Sycamores, as it extended its lead to 18-12 with a kill by Pelton. Indiana State wouldn't go away quietly though, who went on a five-point run to bring the score within one. The set remained a two-point game until the final three serves that went in favor of the Herd, who clinched the 25-20 set victory and ultimately the match victory.
"We got off to a tentative start. We watched Indiana State play and they dominated us. Coming out in the second set we looked shell shocked but then we started to pick up our defense and as we got stingier the offense really picked up and aside from a few unforced attack errors we began to play well," Jacobs said. "It was a very good match the rest of the way and could've easily gone either direction."
Pelton finished the match with a team high 17 kills, while junior Allie Kellerman (Louisville, Ky.) led the team in digs with 17. Legge and Kiekover finished the match with two solo blocks and Craft ended with four block assists. Simmons had a team high .429 hitting percentage on seven attacks.
"It was great to see the production from our outside hitters. With new setters this season we needed to be working hard on the defensive side of the ball to get as many potential attacks as possible," Jacobs said.
In the second match of the day, despite the four-hour break between the matches, Marshall never lost focus as it able to shut out Morehead State. The Eagles started out strong in the first set with a 3-0 run, but the Herd answered quickly with four points of its own. After the two teams traded points, Marshall pushed ahead to give itself an 11-7 lead from a kill by Weaver. The Herd extend its lead to 19-11, which came off kills from Legge and Weaver and also an ace from Simmons. Marshall clinched the first set with a nine-point victory, 25-16.
The second set of the match was neck and neck through the first half with the largest lead held by a team was just three points. With the score at 16-13, Marshall began to pull away with three straight points, including kills from Kiekover and Pelton. Morehead State responded with two points to put the score at 20-15. The Herd went on a 5-0 run to close out the second set and give them the two-game advantage over the Eagles.
Marshall entered the third set looking for the sweep of its I-64 rival, Morehead State. The set ended up being the toughest set that Marshall would face in the contest. Both teams were trading points till it was seven, apiece. Marshall was finally able to break away to give them a six point cushion after four errors on Morehead and two kills by Pelton. The Eagles kept clawing their way back into the set, as they closed the gap to just one point, with the score at 19-18. The Herd responded and finished the set and match with a 7-1 run against the Eagles, which featured kills by Weaver and a service ace by Kellerman.
Weaver finished the match with a team high 12 kills and 31 attacks. Kellerman had 16 digs, while Craft had five blocks and a hitting percentage of .375.
"Today was a very solid day defensively for our team. Our service game was tough and our ball control was strong. We knew our offense would be a little behind early as our setters get in a few matches," Jacobs said. "Our blocking was very good today, not just finishing plays but making a lot of positive touches. Very proud of our energy as Morehead is a very hard place to get a win. Great start today, now we need to get ready for tomorrow."
Up next, Marshall will take the court looking to remain perfect on Saturday, Aug. 29 against the Canisius Golden Griffins at Noon. The Griffs dropped both of their matches today, losing 3-0 to Morehead State and 3-1 to Indiana State.
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