Hassell paces Bishop netters in pair of league victories

Newport News, VA - Behind a two-game total of 27 kills by freshman Leslie Hassell, the Battling Bishop volleyball squad got back to its winning ways on Saturday afternoon by recording 3-1 victories over both Ferrum and Averett in Newport News, VA.  Hassell (pictured) turned in a game-high 18 kills versus the Panthers, while she tallied nine against the Cougars.  NCWC is now 12-6 overall, 5-2 in the USA South.

Against Ferrum, Hassell had set a new career-high in kills to help NCWC to a 3-1 match win. Set scores were 22-25, 25-18, 25-18, and 26-24.  Kelly George anchored the defensive effort with 25 digs, while Mackenzie Tingle had 32 assists.  Junior Brittany Insley tallied nine kills, five blocks, and ten digs.

The Bishops had 42 kills in the game compared to the Panthers 38. Wesleyan also recorded 10 service aces, led by Alyssa Balzano with four.

Versus Averett, the Bishops again dropped the first set before rebounding for 25-11, 25-20, and 25-19 wins in sets two, three, and four, respectively. Insley had a team-high 12 kills, 15 digs, and four blocks, while senior Sydney Bens also turned in a solid effort with nine kills and 10 digs.  George recorded a team-high 22 digs. 

In the game, the Bishops recorded a .200 hitting percentage to the Cougars .122.  They also won the blocking battle 5-4.

Wesleyan will travel to USA South rival Methodist University on Tuesday for a 7:00 p.m. match-up with the Monarchs.