Sept. 15, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (SMU) -
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The Mustangs dominated Mercer today in the first match of the Indiana Credit Union Invitational. This was the first meeting ever between the squads as the Mustangs took the 3-0 (30-12, 30-17, 30-18) win. SMU advances to 8-4 on the season.
Rachel Giubilato led the team with 19 kills and nine digs. She also had two blocks for the evening. Kendra Kahanek accumulated 10 kills with three blocks while Caitlin Rainbird posted eight kills, six digs and three blocks. Stefanie Kons directed the offense with 38 assists while Candice Davis accounted for 14 digs.
SMU jumped out the early and dominating lead in game one quickly taking the 7-0 lead. The Mustangs used Mercer's 11 errors and put down three blocks and five aces to take the 30-12 win.
The 12 points that the Mustangs held Mercer to in game one is the lowest amount of points that a SMU squad has held any opponent to in game one of a match since before the 2001 season (sideout scoring was implemented in seasons previous to 2001).
In game two, Mercer posted the first point, but the Mustangs took over and led the rest of game. Mercer got within a couple of points a few different times but SMU continued to pull away and maintain the lead. With four more blocks and aces the Mustangs won 30-17.
Mercer came out with a spark in game three taking the early lead. The Mustangs tied the score at 7-7. With the score switching for a couple of more points, the Mustangs took the solid lead and never looked back. SMU hit .279 in game three while marking two more aces and two more blocked shots. The Mustangs won 30-18 in game three.
The Mustangs will return to the tournament for two games Sat. as they will take on Chattanooga at 10:00 a.m. and will play again on Sat. against host team, Indiana at 7:00 p.m.
