ANDERSON, S.C. – Needing just two assists on the night to eclipse 1,000 on her career, senior Jenna Long (Clearwater, Fla.) did just that, recording 39 total assists on the evening leading the Anderson University volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of Limestone on Tuesday, October 3.
"Happy we were able to pick up another conference win as we progress through the schedule," said head coach Todd Hay. The Trojans used a balanced attack throughout the evening with no single swinger breaking into double digits in the kill department. Anderson was led by senior Tabitha Wheeler (Greenville, S.C.) who recorded 9 kills on the night while sophomore Brantley Chipley (Spartanburg, S.C.) turned in eight on the night. The team hit for a .278 clip in the contest including a .400 mark in the third and final set.
The teams were competitive early on the opening set, but the Trojans proved to be too much for the Saints to handle after an early 2-2 tie, the Trojans were able to extend their lead toa two-points advantage at 9-7. Five straight points in favor of the Black and Gold doubled up the point total of Limestone before they were able to tally another tick on the scoreboard at 14-8. A strong offensive stretch from the Trojans rounded out the first set as they outscored the Saints 11-5 over the final stretch, taking the first set 25-13.
"We knew Limestone would play much better after a sub-par first set for them. We have to do a better job of responding when teams push back and I don't think we did that early on in set two." Though the Trojans did trail the Saints early in the second they were able to battle to a tie at 6. However, Limestone turned up the heat on the home team as they kept battling for the lead until Anderson forced another tie at 16. Trading points back and forth, the Saints had an opportunity to put the set away at 24-22, but Anderson was resilient when it mattered most, stringing together four straight points to take the set 26-24.
Anderson wasted no time jumping out to the lead in the third set as they were able to take the 4-0 advantage before giving up the first point of the set. Another four-point run by the Trojans further extended their lead, but Limestone was able to string together a point streak of their own to pull back to within two at 10-8. The Saints were able to pull back to within a point on two separate occasions throughout the remainder of the set, but each time the Trojans pulled away and eventually wrapped up the sweep with a 25-17 decision.
"Overall, I thought we had a good night offensively and I was really proud of our reserves coming in and giving us a big lift. Thank you to the Trojan Army and al our fans for the great support."
