Sept. 10, 2002

Final Stats

Johnson City, Tenn. - Just a few days after Western Carolina's volleyball team defeated Tennessee and won the Catamount Clash tournament, the Cats captured another big win by defeating East Tennessee State in the Southern Conference opener Tuesday night in Brooks Gym.

Western Carolina improved to 5-3 overall by defeating the Buccaneers 30-22, 30-26 and 30-27, while ETSU's overall record dipped to 2-6 on the season. The Lady Cats hit well, coupled with an excellent defensive front against the Bucs, combining for a .290 hitting percentage and blocking 16 Buccaneer attacks. The team also had 23 more digs than ETSU (59-36).

The Bucs' offense had some trouble getting in sync against the height and athleticism of the Catamount front line. Tricia Eble tallied four of Western Carolina's 16 team blocks, while five different players garnered double figures in digs. Stefanie Peters led the way with 11 digs and 12 kills.

With one conference win under their belt, head coach Angell Benson and the Lady Cats are looking toward the rest of their season with high hopes.

"This was a good way for us to get off to a great start in our conference schedule," noted Benson. "They came back from being down in the third game, which shows a lot of mental toughness. That really says a lot about our team."

The Catamounts travel to S.C., this weekend to appear in the Coastal Carolina tournament. The team is set to face Savannah State, Pittsburgh and Coastal Carolina.