Lincoln Memorial Edges Carson-Newman 3-2 in SAC Tournament Semifinal Match
Nov. 14, 2008
MARS HILL, N.C. - The Lincoln Memorial University volleyball team edged the Carson-Newman College Lady Eagles 3-2 in a five-set battle in the semifinal round of the 2008 Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Tournament. Carson-Newman falls to 24-14 on the season, while Lincoln Memorial improves to 21-12.
In the first set, the Lady Railsplitters come out strong, posting a 25-21 win over the Lady Eagles. Carson-Newman came from-behind in the second set to even the match by winning 25-16. The Lady Eagles then took the upper hand in the third set with a 25-22 win to force LMU's hand and put the Lady Railsplitters in a have-to-win situation in sets four and five. The Lady Railsplitters rose to the occasion though, winning the final two sets 25-19 and 15-11 to earn a spot in the SAC Tournament finals.
Leading the way for the Carson-Newman was senior Kelsey Fleck (Celina, Ohio) with 20 kills and a .306 hitting percentage, while sophomore Carly Mozgai (Greensboro, N.C.) added 15 kills and 16 digs. Juniors Jessica Schachleiter (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Jessica Brady (Fruitland Park, Fla.) contributed 12 and 11 kills apiece. Schachleiter also led the Lady Eagles in digs with 25, while senior Haley Bush (Spartanburg, S.C.) added 23. Junior setter Stephanie Cutter (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) had a team-high 35 assists for the C-N effort.
Lady Railsplitters were led by sophomore Ashley Knight (Palm Harbor, FL) with 16 kills, while Amanda Horenkamp (Murfreesboro, TN) added 10 kills and 26 digs. Lady Railsplitter setter Lauren Kiwacka (Tipp City, OH) posted 36 assists on the afternoon. Alicia MacIntyre (Muncie, IN) added 22 digs, with Caitlin Hankins (Fremont, CA) netting five block assists. LMU's Lauren Kiwacka and Ashley Knight also added 13 digs apiece in the winning effort.
The Lady Eagles now return to Tennessee to await word on a possible at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
