Volleyball Hosts Memphis Sunday
October 03, 2010 | Volleyball
Oct. 3, 2010
East Carolina Volleyball Match Central
GREENVILLE, N.C. - After nearly rallying from a 2-0 deficit but falling to UAB in five sets Friday in Birmingham, Ala., the East Carolina volleyball team returns to Minges Coliseum for a C-USA matchup against Memphis. First serve at Minges Coliseum is set for 1 p.m.
Redshirt Junior Nicole Jones recorded a career-best 27 digs while junior Jackie Varnum had a personal-high 18 kills, but a furious rally from a 2-0 deficit fell just short as the Blazers hung on for a 3-2 (25-14, 25-14, 23-25, 21-25, 15-12) victory at Bartow Arena.
Junior Amanda Lutzow picked up her fourth double-double of the season, posting 10 kills and 13 digs, while freshman Shelby Beasley also reached double-digits with 12 digs. Additionally, redshirt junior Britney Roper tallied 11 kills.
UAB held the advantage in hitting (.244 to .126), kills (67-55), digs (89-73) and blocks (11.0-8.0) but ECU recorded four aces to two for the Blazers as the Pirates bested the opposition in the category for the first time this season.
East Carolina fell behind by two at 7-5 in the deciding set, but a 5-3 run knotted the score at 10. An ace on the next rally by Kate Morrell put the Blazers ahead for good, as they held on to clinch the match by scoring four of the last six points.
Meanwhile, Memphis recovered from a 34-32 loss in set one against Marshall Friday to record a 3-1 win over the Thundering Herd at home.
Sophomores Marija Jovanovic and Altrese Hawkins led the Tigers' offensive charge with a combination of 44 kills, while fellow sophomore Hajnalka Molnar set a match-best of 56 assists and added 13 digs.
After Sunday's match, the Pirates head to Orlando, Fla., for a pair of league contests against UCF next Saturday and Sunday at the Venue At UCF. Each tilt will begin at 7 p.m.
