George leads Battling Bishop volleyball to USA South split

Rocky Mount, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan volleyball team hosted its first USA South Play Day on Saturday, splitting matches with Ferrum College and Averett University.  Led by senior Caitlin George's (pictured) 71 assists and 33 digs on the day, the Bishops managed a 3-1 win over the Panthers before falling to Averett in a 3-0 sweep.  Wesleyan is now 10-9 on the season, 3-3 in conference action.

Against Ferrum (8-10, 3-5), the Bishops jumped out to a 2-0 lead with 30-22 and 30-24 wins in games one and two, respectively.  Wesleyan recorded 30 kills against 12 errors during that span.

The Panthers fought back in game three and looked to be in control with a 23-14 lead.  The Bishops, however, recorded 11 of the next 14 points to pull with 26-25.  Ferrum then pushed ahead again, 29-26, only to see Wesleyan mount another rally behind the strong serving of Sydney Bens.  NCWC fought off five game points before dropping the game 33-31.

The Bishops would not be denied in game four as they cruised to the 30-22 game and match win.  Freshman Jessica Johnson paced Wesleyan by tallying five of her nine total kills.

Brittany Insley led the Bishops with 19 kills in the match, while George added 46 assists and 19 digs.  Freshman Alyssa Balzano and Bens added 11 kills apiece.

Averett (9-7, 5-1) managed a 3-0 sweep of Wesleyan later in the evening.  Game scores were 30-27, 30-22, and 30-19.  Insley had 12 kills and George 25 assists in the losing effort.

The Bishops continue USA South play on Wednesday night when they host Methodist University.  Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Everett Gymnasium.