Box Score Sept. 12, 2014

Final Stats

Martin, Tenn. - The Western Carolina volleyball team fell to one-loss Valparaiso University, 3-0, to open up play at the Skyhawk Invitational hosted by the University of Tennessee-Martin. All three sets were highly competitive but the Crusaders had the upper hand in the end.

Senior Jordan Timmermann once again led the way for the Catamounts as she posted 10 kills and eight digs finishing just shy of her fourth double-double of the season. She has now had double-digit kills in six of WCU's seven matches this season. Classmate Caitlin Piechota turned in another strong dig performance as she dug up 11 balls to go along with six kills. Piechota's 11 digs moved her into 17th on the career digs list at WCU with 1,021. She needs just three more to tie Bri Milan-Williams (1998-2001) for 16th overall.

Senior Addy George led the team with a pair of solo blocks while finishing second in kills with seven.

Freshman Jo-Leigh Vervelde and junior Cristina Nazario once again split time at setter with Vervelde dishing out 16 assists and Nazario passing out 12. Junior Elyssa Mulheron tied for the team lead with 11 digs.

The Catamounts fell in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19 and 25-21. WCU's record falls to 3-4 on the season while the Crusaders improve to 7-1.

A big factor in the match was Valpo's strong offensive performance. The Crusaders hit .378 against the Catamounts which ranks as the highest hitting percentage the Catamounts have given up all season.

The Catamounts jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the opening set that included a pair of service aces from Timmermann. WCU held on to the lead most of the set but the Crusaders used a 9-4 run midway through the set to take a 21-20 lead. The Catamounts and Crusaders traded points down the stretch but a blocking error ended the set in Valpo's favor, 25-23.

The second set was close throughout despite Valparaiso hitting .471 as a team in the frame. Up 20-18, the Crusaders used a 5-1 run to close out the set, 25-19.

The Crusaders jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the third set and never trailed the rest of the way. The Catamounts fought back and tied the set at 20 but another late run by Valpo ended the match, 25-21.

Valparaiso was led by Emily Campbell who had 15 kills and 11 digs. Morgan Beil added 10 kills on 16 swings while Taylor Graboski had eight kills on 12 swings.

The Catamounts will be back in action tomorrow, Sept. 13, as they battle host UT-Martin and Drake.