Hassell leads NCWC to 3-1 victory in volleyball league opener

Raleigh, NC - Behind freshman Leslie Hassell's second career double-double, the North Carolina Wesleyan volleyball squad picked up a 3-1 win over homestanding Meredith College in the USA South Conference opener for both squads.  Hassell (pictured) tallied 14 kills and 10 digs, while teammate Brittany Insley added a game-high 20 kills and 12 digs in the victory.  Set scores were 28-30, 25-14, 25-10, and 29-27. The Bishops have now won five of their last six matches and currently boast a 7-4 overall record.

Meredith (2-9, 0-1 USA South) managed a 1-0 set lead with an exciting 30-28 win in the opener.  The Bishops, who recorded 18 kills to the Angels' 14 in the set, suffered from nine attack errors and five service errors.

Wesleyan, however, got on track in games two and three behind .355 and .360 team hitting percentages, respectively.  Insley recorded eight of her kills during that span as Wesleyan went up 2-1 in the match with dominating 25-14 and 25-10 victories.

To Meredith's credit, the Angels did not go down without a fight.  Down 23-17, Meredith pushed six straight point to tie the game at 23-23.  A kill by senior Sydney Bens gave the Bishops game point, but the Avenging Angels would force four more ties before a Hassell kill ended the set and match with a 29-27 NCWC victory.

In addition to Hassell and Insley's performance, Bens finished with 11 kills and nine digs.  Freshman setter Mackenzie Tingle dished out 52 assists, and Alyssa Balzano recorded four service aces.  Sophomore Barbara DeRatt chipped in six kills and nine digs.

For Meredith, Morgan White turned in a team-high 10 kills.  She also anchored the Angel defensive effort with 16 digs on the night.

Wesleyan will face Guilford College on Friday night in Greensboro. Game time is slated for 6:00 p.m.