Bishop volleyball season ends with 3-2 loss in USAC semifinals

Newport News, VA - Despite 21 kills from junior Brittany Insley (pictured), the 2nd-seeded Battling Bishop volleyball squad of North Carolina Wesleyan came up just short in its bid for a USA South Championship appearance, falling to 3rd-seeded Averett by a 3-2 score in Newport News, VA. Set scores were 17-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, and 15-11. The loss marks the end of one of the best seasons in program history for the Bishops, who finish the season with a 26-8 overall record.

In Friday's match, Wesleyan recorded 58 kills to the Cougars' 47, but the Bishops were plagued by 15 service errors.  In addition to Insley's performance, freshman Leslie Hassell had 13 kills and a game-high 22 digs. USAC Rookie of the Year Mackenzie Tingle turned in 47 assists, while senior Sydney Bens added seven kills, seven digs, and three blocks in the final game of her career.

Although the season ended too quickly for the Bishops, Wesleyan's 2008 slate was one for the record books.  The Bishops' 26 wins tied for the most in program history, while their 15 conference victories set a new high mark.  The season also saw Insley become the program's career leader in kills. The junior, in fact, will enter her senior season with 1,419 total. 

Tingle also had an impressive freshman campaign as she became the first Bishop in history to garner league Rookie of the Year honors.  Along the way, she became just the second player in history to tally over 1,000 assists in a single season... a feat first accomplished by her NCWC assistant coach Caitlin George.

Finally, Wesleyan produced the most All-Conference selections in history with four players being honored (Insley, Tingle, Hassell, and Bens).  With all but one player returning next fall, Bishop fans can look forward to another successful season in 2009!