Wesleyan volleyball takes second place at EMU Tourney

Harrisonburg, VA - The North Carolina Wesleyan volleyball squad opened its 2008 slate over the weekend with four matches at Eastern Mennonite's annual tournament.  The Battling Bishops turned in two wins on Friday with 3-0 and 3-1 victories over Catholic University and Lynchburg College, respectively, but fell to host EMU on Saturday morning by a 3-1 score. With a 2-1 record in pool play, Wesleyan won its bracket and took second place overall after falling 3-0 to Frostburg State in the championship match. The Bishops are now 2-2 to start the season.

In Friday's season opener, Wesleyan managed a 3-0 sweep of Catholic behind 13 kills and two blocks from junior Brittany Insley.  Set scores were 25-10, 25-13, and 25-18.  Freshman setter Mackenzie Tingle dished out 18 assists in her collegiate debut, while senior Sydney Bens recorded 14 digs and four service aces.

The Battling Bishops then faced a solid Lynchburg squad and earned an impressive 3-1 win.  Set scores were 25-18, 21-25, 25-21, and 25-12.  Bens and freshman Leslie Hassell paced NCWC offensively with nine kills apiece.  Defensively, sophomore libero Kelly George had 11 digs, and Insley tallied seven blocks.

Despite its 3-1 loss to host Eastern Mennonite on Saturday morning (20-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23), Wesleyan earned the right to play Frostburg State for the tournament championship on Saturday afternoon.  Insley managed another six kills and three blocks, but it was not enough as FSU earned the 3-1 victory. Set scores were 15-25, 21-25, and 12-25.  George finished with 13 digs and Tingle 10 assists in the losing effort.

For their efforts, Insley and Hassell were each named to the All-Tournament team.

Wesleyan will host its home opener on Wednesday night when Virginia Wesleyan visits Everett Gymnasium. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.