CULLOWEE, N.C. – The Anderson volleyball team squared off against its second NCAA Division I opponent in as many nights on Saturday, as the Trojans visited Western Carolina, with the veteran Catamounts claiming four sets (25-14, 25-15, 25-22, 25-19) from the Trojans on Ingles Court at the Ramsey Center.
"A big difference in tonight versus last night was our serve receive," said Anderson head coach Todd Hay. "WCU served tough and kept us off balance. We had a harder time finding rhythm. When you can't find offensive rhythm, you get slow and predictable. But overall, it was a good match from which to learn and address the areas in which we have to grow as a team."
The Catamounts, who were tabbed fifth in Wednesday's 2022 Southern Conference (SoCon) Preseason Coaches' Poll, returned six starters among 13 returners, including two-time All-Southern Conference selection Merry Gebel, 2021 All-Freshman Team member Bailey Hartsough, and 2020 Libero of the Year Destinee Dorsey.
Freshman outside hitter Kaitlyn Barrett posted eight kills, with junior outside hitter Meg Sansbury, sophomore Hannah Neff and senior Noelle Knutsen each credited with six kills apiece.
Junior setter Jenna Long handed out 22 assists, with seniors Madison Roy and Alexandra Petrilli dishing out 16 assists and four assists, respectively. Petrilli also came up with a team-high 11 digs in two sets and fellow senior Lindsay McCurley recorded six digs.
Senior outside hitter Liliana Kinder notched two kills and a pair of block assists, with junior Jaelyn Grimm and sophomore Brantley Chipley each tallying two block assists.
WCU opens the 2022 regular season next weekend at the Wake Forest Invitational, facing Kennesaw State on Friday, before facing the host Demon Deacons on Saturday, and NC Central at 4:30 p.m.
Anderson is scheduled to open the regular season with a pair of contests, Friday at UIndy's Ruth Lilly Invitational. The Trojans will square off against McKendree at 9 a.m., then meet the host Greyhounds at 6 p.m.
