Sept. 15, 2007
DURHAM, N.H. (SMU)--Mustang volleyball defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders Saturday morning in three straight matches, 3-0 (30-16, 30-22, 30-27). The Mustangs are now 10-3 this season, while the Crusaders fall to 3-10.
In the first game, the Mustangs scored first, but Holy Cross quickly followed suit. SMU took the next four points and eventually built a lead of four. The Crusaders crept back, cutting the Mustangs' lead to two. The teams stayed close over the next 11 points, but the Mustangs maintained the lead, just edging the Crusaders out and forcing Holy Cross into a timeout. From then on, the Mustangs dominated play, scoring at least three points to every Holy Cross point. SMU put the game out of reach, 30-16.
Game two had a different script. Holy Cross took the first three points, jumping out to their first lead of the day. SMU took the next six points, taking the lead, 6-3. Over the next 16 points, the Mustangs built a nine-point lead, their largest of the game. Though the Crusaders continued to win points, they could not keep up with the Mustangs, who put the game away, 30-22.
The third game saw the two teams battle from the beginning. Holy Cross took the first point, but the Mustangs quickly responded, taking the next two. Then the Crusaders took three straight points and the lead. Holy Cross maintained their lead over the next eight points, but the Mustangs would not give up, tying the score at seven apiece. SMU took the lead on the next point, which they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. The Mustangs won, 30-27.
Rachel Giubilato paced the offense, hitting .364 on a team-high 11 kills. Caitlin Rainbird and Kara Cornelius each chipped in nine kills, while Kathryn Wilkerson added another seven. Defensively, Candice Davis led the team in digs with 12, while Carly Bergquist added 10 more. Madison Hill dished out 30 assists and one service ace. The team combined for eight blocks, 52 kills and 58 digs.
The Mustangs will close out the New Hampshire Invitational Saturday night facing host New Hampshire at 6 p.m. Live stats will be available on UNH's website by clicking here and the UNH-SMU game video will be streamed on New Hampshire's website here.
For complete schedule and results, log on to SMUMustangs.com.
