CNU takes two from Bishops to gain sole possession of first

Rocky Mount, NC - In Wednesday's USA South volleyball action between the league's top two teams, it was Christopher Newport University that gained sole possession of first place with a doubleheader sweep of North Carolina Wesleyan in Everett Gymnasium. Bishop sophomore Kelly George (pictured) turned in a solid defensive effort with 24 digs against a CNU offense that tallied 87 kills on the night.  The Bishops are now 10-6 overall, 3-2 in conference play, while the Captains improve to 11-3 on the season, 6-0 in league action.

In the opener, CNU jumped out to a 10-1 lead in the first set and went on to take a 1-0 lead with a 25-12 win.  A 25-15 win in the second set set the stage for a sweep, but the Bishops did not go down without a fight.  Wesleyan led 23-21 and looked to cut CNU's lead to 2-1 in the match, but a kill by Ellen Koch was followed by her serving out the final three points for the 25-23 set win and 3-0 match victory.

The Captains tallied 46 kills in the match, led by Allison Wolfe's game-high 17. Mary Horner headed up the defensive effort with 16 digs.

The Bishops hit just .098 in the match and were led by Brittany Insley's eight kills and three blocks.  George recorded a game-high 17 digs, while Mackenzie Tingle notched 20 assists.

The second game again saw CNU jump out to a quick 9-3 lead en route to a 25-16 set win and 1-0 match lead.  In the second set, however, it was Wesleyan that came out on fire, forging a 9-2 lead thanks to five Captain attack errors. CNU rallied to tie the set at 19-19 and would eventually take a 2-0 lead with a 26-24 victory.  The Captains then cruised to a 25-15 win in the third set to seal their second sweep of the night.

Ellen Koch paced CNU with 13 kills in the match, while Ryann Lowery and Jessie Heavenrich had 17 assists apiece. 

For Wesleyan, Insley recorded a team-high 10 kills, 11 digs, and 6 blocks.

Wesleyan will travel to CNU on Saturday for its second USA South Play Day.  The Bishops will face Ferrum College and Averett University at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively.