ECU Spikers Blanked By Tennessee
September 14, 2002 | Volleyball
The Big Orange controlled the match from the outset, building a ten-point advantage in the first frame at 19-9 when ECU sophomore outside hitter Sarah Vick dumped an attack in the net. The Big Orange's lead grew as high as 12 when freshman middle blocker Heather Harrington recorded the second of her career-best five kills to run the score to 24-12. The Pasadena, Texas, native also finished with a career-high four block assists. The Lady Vols took game one by a 30-22 score.
The ECU Pirates only managed to tie the game on two occasions during the second frame, as the Lady Vols continued to put the pressure on. The Lady Vols hit at a .333 clip in game two thanks to 20 kills and nine errors on 33 attacks. UT won the second game 30-21.
After winning the opening point of the third frame on one of senior outside hitter Janelle Hester's 16 kills, Tennessee never looked back. The Lady Vols margin grew to as much as nine points five different times, with the Orange and White finishing off the Pirates at 30-22 for the victory.
Tennessee Sophomore middle blocker Michelle Piantadosi eclipsed her career-best mark of 15 kills, set last night against Virginia, with 16 on 30 attacks. Freshman middle blocker Kristen Andre turned in her fifth double-digit kill performance of the season with 11. Andre recorded three blocks on the morning as well. As a team, the Lady Vols tied a season-high with nine blocks for the match.
For the Pirates, Robyn Drewes had a .571 hitting percentage with 13 kills on 21 attempts. Jessica Vick led East Carolina with 20 assists, and setter Erica Wilson added eight.
The Pirates will face Virginia in their final match of the tournament. The match is set for 7 p.m. at the Stokely Athletic Center.
