Garnet Outlast Bears in CC Opener
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Garnet outside hitter Jen Wang '09 and Erica George '07 posted double-doubles as Swarthmore won their third consecutive five-set game, this time edging Ursinus 3-2 (30-28, 25-30, 23-30, 30-17, 17-15) in thrilling Centennial Conference volleyball action at Tarble Pavilion on a cool Tuesday evening.
Wang had a season-high 18 kills while also leading the team with 25 digs for her second double-double of the young season. George, a senior captain, added 12 kills and 17 digs for her third consecutive double-double of the year. Both Wang and George also added four service aces.
Sophomore libero Erin Heaney aided the Swarthmore defense with 19 digs while freshman outside hitter Johanna Bond collected 13 digs. Freshman setter Kearney Bangs set up the Garnet offense with 53 assists - her third straight game with over 45 assists. Swarthmore middle blocker Karen Berk '08 posted a solid all-around effort, registering nine blocks, five kills, five digs, and four aces. Classmate Katherine Gold, a middle blocker, helped the Garnet control the middle part of the court, with nine kills and four service aces.
The Bears (1-3 overall, 0-2), under first-year head coach Diana McNamee - a former Swarthmore assistant coach - were led by junior middle hitter Jill Alspach (16 kills, 10 digs, two aces) and senior setter Melissa George (seven kills, 10 digs, 36 assists). Ursinus also got strong efforts from sophomore outside hitter MacKenzie Miller (12 kills) and sophomore opposite Kelly Hosier (nine kills).
Swarthmore will now gear up for the fourth annual Garnet Classic this coming weekend - the Garnet will open the tournament against Kings Point at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15 in Tarble Pavilion.