University, Miss. - Heather Denison recorded her third double-figure kill match of the weekend to lead the University of Portland volleyball team past Alcorn State, 3-0 (30-23, 30-21, 30-24) at the Magnolia Tournament on Sat., Sept. 13. The Pilots improve to 7-3 overall, while Alcorn State falls to 1-10. For the third week in a row, the Pilots recorded a 2-1 tournament record and placed two players, Monique Kettler and Sheena Surplus on the all-tourney team.
For the match, the Pilots held Alcorn State to a .109 hitting percentage and out-blocked the Lady Braves, seven to four. Both team had low hitting percentages in the first game, but the Pilots managed to stay in system and press for points for the 30-23 win. In game two, Portland was almost perfect, recording only one error in 38 attempts for an impressive .447 hitting percentage and 18 kills. After the break, the Pilots broke down the Lady Braves’ defense, hitting for over .300 and holding Alcorn State to just 11 kills in the game. Portland never let up and went on to win 30-24 sealing the win.
“Our girls knew that we had to come in here today and take care of business and that’s exactly what they did,” said Head Coach Doug Sparks. “We played well, stayed in system and got the win.”
Denison led the team with 13 kills and an impressive .400 hitting percentage. Sara Vercruyssen recorded her sixth-consecutive double-figure kill match with 11 kills and led the team with 10 digs. Michelle Oakland tallied nine kills and four total blocks, while Liz Lord added eight kills. Monique Kettler totaled seven kills in the effort, while Sheena Surplus dishes out 41 assists.
“Our girls, came in to this game focused and executed our game plan,” said Sparks. “The schedule just gets tougher and now we’ve got to come home and prepare for what lies ahead.”
Donika Sutton led all players with 14 kills and a .458 hitting percentage in the match. LaQuinta Daniels and Lauren Walker each tallied 10 digs, while Brittney Ward posted 30 assists for Alcorn State.
UP NEXT: Portland is back at home on Thurs., Sept. 18 and Sat., Sept. 20 taking on San Jose State; both matches are set to begin at 7:00 p.m. The Pilots will host the Oregon Ducks on Tues., Sept. 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chiles Center On Tues., Sept. 30, Portland will face Oregon State at 7:00 p.m. in Corvallis, Ore.
