Aug. 31, 2007

Box Score

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Meredith Harmon led a balanced Western Carolina attack as the Catamounts recorded their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over UNC Asheville in the first round of the UNC Asheville Volleyball Classic Friday night. The Catamounts won the match, 30-22, 30-21, 30-27 in the Parkway Series.

Harmon registered 11 kills, while Liz Rondone returned to action and sparked the WCU (1-3) defense with 21 digs.

The Bulldogs (0-4) were led by freshman Kelsey Benorden with 12 kills and seven digs. Ashley Wrightenberry and Alysha Greer finished with five kills each. Raquel Miotto had nine digs.

WCU took charge of the match in the middle of the first game as it went on a 6-2 run to lead to lead 20-16. The Bulldogs closed to 22-20 but the Lady Cats sprinted away to take the first game, 30-21.

In the second game, WCU hit .242 (14-6) and led from start to finish to take a 2-0 lead at 30-21.

The Catamounts led most of the third game and went up 24-17 before the Bulldogs roared back and tied the game at 26-26 on a kill from Benorden. However, WCU picked up the next three points as it got a kill from Harmon and took advantage of two Asheville errors to lead 29-26. A kill from Ali Rook gave WCU the victory.

The tournament continues on Saturday as the Catamounts play at 1 p.m. against USC Upstate and Kennesaw State at 3:30 p.m.