Oct. 5, 2004

Final Stats

Boone, N.C. - Appalachian State freshman Diana Thomas, who had 11 kills and just one error, led the Mountaineer volleyball team to 3-0 sweep (30-21, 30-18, 30-17) over Western Carolina Tuesday night in the Holmes Center. The Mountaineers are now 13-5 (5-0) and on a seven match win streak. The Catamounts fall to 6-8 (2-3) on the season with the loss.

Game one began was a back-and-forth affair early with the two teams tying at 10 before Appalachian rattled off five straight points behind the serve of Chrissy Finch. ASU would string together six straight later in the game and take the win 30-21.

A 9-2 Appalachian start to game two gave ASU a lead they would never relinquish. The Mountaineers hit .519 will Stephanie Panzer, Samantha Giudici and Thomas all finding their hitting zone. Panzer finished the match with 11 kills and a .381 hitting percentage while adding a pair of aces. Giudici had seven kills, two digs, and a decisive solo block.

The third game saw the Catamounts come alive forcing ASU to battle back from as many as four points down. The Mountaineers knotted the score at 13 and the teams traded points until a Thomas kill sparked a 14-1 to the finish. Thomas' 11 kills and three blocks were key at the net for ASU. Cali Cooper led Appalachian at the net with six blocks. Cooper finished with seven kills.

The Catamounts were led by freshman Melissa Parana, who talllied 10 kills with just two errors for a .421 attack percentage. Ellie Talbot and Kate Williard added nine digs each for the Cats.

Western¹s next match will be on the road at The College of Charleston on Friday (Oct. 8) with match time set for 7 pm. The Catamounts then return to Culowhee to host the Citadel on Sunday (Oct. 10) at 2 pm.