Pirates Swept At SMU, 3-0

Oct. 2, 2009

DALLAS, Texas - The East Carolina volleyball team fell to SMU Friday night at Moody Coliseum in three sets, dropping its third Conference USA match of the season. The Pirates are 8-8 overall and 1-3 in conference play while the Mustangs are now 11-6 in 2009 and 1-2 in C-USA action.

SMU established a 10-6 lead in the first set before the Pirates rallied to tie the score at 10 on a Jessica Oliver attack error. ECU then held a 21-18 lead thanks to a block by Kelly Derby and Melissa Zentner. However, the Mustangs reeled off three-straight points to knot the scoreline before holding set point at 24-23. The Pirates would fight off two more set points before succumbing to SMU, 27-25, to fall behind 1-0 in the match.

East Carolina took an early 7-5 lead in the second frame, but the Mustangs responded again, scoring six-straight points to take an 11-7 lead and force a Pirate timeout. SMU took control from there, taking advantages of 16-10 and 21-11 on its way to a 25-14 decision and a commanding two sets to none lead.

The Mustangs exerted their dominance again early in the third interval, assuming a 6-2 advantage, then stretching it to 9-5, drawing a timeout from the ECU sideline. Down 22-11, the Pirates responded with a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to 22-16, but East Carolina had no answers for SMU the rest of the way, as the Mustangs cruised to a 25-18 win to clinch the affair.

Senior Stephanie Turner paced the offense, notching 10 kills for her 10th double-digit effort this season. Classmate Hannah Fenker also turner in a solid effort, notching her team-leading fifth double-double of the campaign in handing out 26 assists and adding 14 digs. Defensively, the Pirates had three players reach double-digit kills, led by Fenker. Lizzy Bruin and Nicole Jones added 10 to contribute to the team total of 49.

ECU has a short turnaround, traveling to Tulsa for a match tomorrow night at the Reynolds Center. First serve is set for 8 p.m.

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