Volleyball Takes Five-Set Thriller from Emory

Saturday, October 10, 2009
In a battle between Emory University, a NCAA Division III national champion and the always NAIA power Lee, the Lady Flames pulled away in the fifth set to claim a 3-2 thriller from the visitors.

The Eagles claimed the hard-fought first set 25-23. The determined Lady Flames came charging back in the second game and won 25-22. The Atlanta team moved on top 2-1 with a 25-20 decision in the third set, but Lee squared the match at 2-2 with an overwhelming win in the fourth set 25-13.

Coach Andrea Hudson's club continued to dominate the fifth set and posted their 11th straight victory and pushed their record to 19-4 overall with the 15-8 win.

"We always enjoy playing good teams like Emory," said coach Andrea Hudson after the emotional victory. "Overall, we played well and I'm proud of our girls. They love to play good teams and Emory has a solid team with a lot of weapons. It wouldn't surprise me if they win another national championship."

Hudson added that she was pleased with the way her girls fought after they dropped the third game. "We've been working hard to get better," she stressed, "and playing good teams is going to make our girls better."

Sophomore Stephanie Todd banged away at the net the entire evening and came away with 16 kills. She also had eight digs and two blocks. Todd scored back-to-back points in the fifth game to put the Lady Flames up 12-6.

Another sophomore, Christa Hutchison enjoyed one of her better nights since becoming a Lady Flame. She smashed 11 kills and had two service aces and six digs. Jacky Toruno stepped up in the final game and recorded a kill that ended the match. The junior finished with 10 kills and two aces. Kayla Carlisle was again strong at the net with nine kills and a team-leading six blocks.

Sara Smith put the Lady Flames in total command in the final set with a big ace. She totaled three for the night and again was all over the court with 28 digs. Gretchen Higdon registered 22 assists and 11 digs as Lee had three players in double-digit digs for the match. Kelsey Leffew followed closely behind with 18 assists and seven digs. All totaled, Lee had 60 kills in the big win, while the Eagles countered with 50.

Alysse Meyer displayed her power with 15 slams for the losers. Alex Duhl and Jessica McAlvany had nine kills apiece, while McAlvany also recorded four blocks and Duhl led her team in blocks with seven. Natalie Schonefeld helped keep the Eagles close all night with 43 assists. She was also tough at the net with five blocks.

The Lady Flames could face much tougher opposition next Friday and Saturday when they travel to Illinois for four matches in the Olivet Nazarene tournament.