Oct. 3, 2003
Final Stats
Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina fought back from a 2-1 deficit in the match to win the fourth game, but Elon proved a force to be reckoned with as they claimed the 16-14 victory in the deciding game to give the Phoenix the win. Western's home unbeaten streak ended tonight as the Cats drop to 10-8 overall and 3-2 in the SoCon. Elon improves to 8-10, 2-2 with the win.
WCU took the first match in decisive fashion, 30-21, holding Elon to a mere .075 hitting percentage. However, the Phoenix turned up the energy level and fought hard for a 30-28 win in the second game as they rebounded to hit .426 in the contest. Elon proved to be strong again in the third game and held Western to a season-low .020 attack percentage. EU got the win in the third, 30-24.
The Catamounts gained momentum in the fourth game, sparked by the serving efforts of Kellyn Thaut and powerful hitting by the WCU front line. Western beat Elon by the largest margin of the night, 30-18. In the fifth and final game, neither team led by more than two points at any time and the lead switched hands several times before the Phoenix found themselves ahead 15-14 and serving for the match-point. An error on the Cats gave Elon the final point to win the match.
Thaut recorded a season-high 22 kills in the match on 56 attacks with only four errors for a .321 hitting percentage, picking up 14 digs in addition and a team-high four aces. Sara Komosinski had a good night for the Cats with a season-high 20 kills on 43 attacks with five errors for a .349 attack percentage. Ellie Talbot led the team with 16 digs and Shari Harder posted a season-high 60 assists, adding 13 digs.
Elon was led by Emily Hayes with a match-high 23 kills on 52 attacks with just two errors for a .404 hitting percentage. Juliena Gigon led the team with a match-high 20 digs and Kate Hart posted 57 assists in the match.
Both teams recorded 83 digs and 73 kills on the night, but the Phoenix edged the Cats in blocks with 13, while WCU had three.
The Catamounts return to action Friday, Oct. 10, as they head to College of Charleston to take on the Cougars at 7 pm.
