Nov. 11, 2003
Final Stats
Cullowhee, N.C. - Appalachian State came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Western Carolina, 3-2, in Southern Conference volleyball action Tuesday night with scores of 28-30, 29-31, 30-12, 30-20, 15-9. The loss brings Western to a 15-15 overall record and a 7-9 mark in the SoCon. App State improves to 14-15, 12-4 with the win.
In a close struggle, the Catamounts pulled out the 30-28 victory in the first game, with senior Michelle Gorton hitting .500 on four kills, one error and six total attacks. The second game proved to be just as tough for the two teams. Western won the see-saw battle, 31-29, powered by junior Stefanie Peters (4-0-10) and senior Sara Komosinski (5-1-10), who each hit .400 in the game.
Appalachian came back after intermission with enthusiasm, hitting .273 in the third game while forcing WCU to commit 12 errors as the Cats hit -.156 for the game. The Mountaineers dominated at the net, posting eight blocks in the third, led by Stefanie Panzer who assisted on five. The Catamounts' first earned point came at 3-16 on a solo block by freshman Kellyn Thaut. The Apps ended the game with a 30-12 advantage.
The fourth game did not seem to go much better for the Cats as they hit a mere .087, while ASU recorded a .275 attack percentage. Kali Rumberger led the charge for App State, hitting .667 on seven kills, one error and nine attacks. The Mountaineers took game four, 30-20, forcing a fifth and deciding game.
After ASU took the early lead, Wester seemed to find a spark behind the serving of freshman Heather Koontz. Senior Shari Harder led the Cats with seven digs, but it was not enough to help the team hold on and App claimed the 15-9 victory on two service aces from Amber Mangrum.
The Catamounts were led by Gorton who hit .341 with a season-high 16 kills on 41 attacks, adding four blocks (one solo, three assisted) and an ace for a season-high 19.5 points. Harder posted a double-double 39 assists and 20 digs to lead the Cats, while Komosinski had a double-double as well with 11 kills and 14 digs.
App State was led by Rumberger's 18 kills, adding 20 digs for the double-double. Also recording a deuce was Mangrum with 64 assists and 18 digs. Five Mountaineers posted double figure kills, while five also had double figure digs in the match. The Apps hit .255 on the night while holding Western to just .099 hitting.
WCU continues its home stand as the Cats host the College of Charleston Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 pm in the RAC. Western will close out the regular-season Saturday, Nov. 15, against The Citadel at 2 pm. Saturday is Senior Day for the volleyball team as three seniors will be recognized during a pregame ceremony.
