North Carolina State University Athletics
Volleyball Sweeps Morgan State in Season Opener
8/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State volleyball shook off a sluggish opening frame to down Morgan State, 3-0, in its season opener on Friday, Aug. 28 at Reynolds Coliseum in the first of two matches on the day at the Hilton RTP Classic. The win marks the second time in the last three seasons that the Wolfpack has collected a victory in its season opener.
“It was very important for us to come out and start the season with a win,” said head coach Charita J. Stubbs. “Getting that first win allows your younger players to gain some confidence, and it’s a very important momentum builder.”
Isis Gardner and Sarah Griggs paced the Pack offense with eight kills each, while Alex Smith hoisted 34 set assists to go along with four scores. Griggs – a true freshmen from Point Harbor, N.C. – didn’t look like a rookie on the court during her collegiate debut. She led the team with a .438 hitting percentage, adding six digs along the way. Kelly Burns also took the court for the first time, supplying three digs, an assist and one kill.
Lisa Kretchman scored five times and roped in three block assists for the Pack in her first career start, while Jana Angel had seven kills. Lindsay Benac (13) and Kelly Wood (8) combined for 21 of the squad’s 43 digs.
The speedy Erin Cox was sensational for Morgan State, covering the court and dropping eight kills. Rhyan Shy and Ivanti Bush both added eight kills of their own for the Bears.
NC State had its poorest statistical showing in the opening set, hitting just .024 while struggling out of the gate. Four kills each from Wood and Angel helped ignite the offense, while Smith, Wood and Kretchman combined for two pivotal blocks that helped turn the tide and pave the way to a 26-24 decision.
A much more complete effort led to the Pack securing a rather easy 25-17 tally in the second go-round. Gardner carried the offense with six kills, while the Bears were unable to generate any consistent offense – hitting at .000 with six kills.
Morgan State swiped the first four points in the third and final frame, but NC State eventually moved ahead at 7-6 on a Griggs kill. The Pack led by as many as five points at 20-15, but the Bears kept things close and trimmed the lead to two at 21-19. Griggs and Keri DeMar then responded with consecutive kills, and after a Bush reception error the Pack was up by five again before closing out play at 25-21.
NC State will take on Charleston Southern tonight at 7 p.m.
“It was very important for us to come out and start the season with a win,” said head coach Charita J. Stubbs. “Getting that first win allows your younger players to gain some confidence, and it’s a very important momentum builder.”
Isis Gardner and Sarah Griggs paced the Pack offense with eight kills each, while Alex Smith hoisted 34 set assists to go along with four scores. Griggs – a true freshmen from Point Harbor, N.C. – didn’t look like a rookie on the court during her collegiate debut. She led the team with a .438 hitting percentage, adding six digs along the way. Kelly Burns also took the court for the first time, supplying three digs, an assist and one kill.
Lisa Kretchman scored five times and roped in three block assists for the Pack in her first career start, while Jana Angel had seven kills. Lindsay Benac (13) and Kelly Wood (8) combined for 21 of the squad’s 43 digs.
The speedy Erin Cox was sensational for Morgan State, covering the court and dropping eight kills. Rhyan Shy and Ivanti Bush both added eight kills of their own for the Bears.
NC State had its poorest statistical showing in the opening set, hitting just .024 while struggling out of the gate. Four kills each from Wood and Angel helped ignite the offense, while Smith, Wood and Kretchman combined for two pivotal blocks that helped turn the tide and pave the way to a 26-24 decision.
A much more complete effort led to the Pack securing a rather easy 25-17 tally in the second go-round. Gardner carried the offense with six kills, while the Bears were unable to generate any consistent offense – hitting at .000 with six kills.
Morgan State swiped the first four points in the third and final frame, but NC State eventually moved ahead at 7-6 on a Griggs kill. The Pack led by as many as five points at 20-15, but the Bears kept things close and trimmed the lead to two at 21-19. Griggs and Keri DeMar then responded with consecutive kills, and after a Bush reception error the Pack was up by five again before closing out play at 25-21.
NC State will take on Charleston Southern tonight at 7 p.m.
Pack Volleyball Then and Now. Playing Venues & Program Growth
Wednesday, November 05
Pack Volleyball Then and Now. Players Discuss the Game They Played
Monday, October 06
Pack Volleyball Then and Now. Coaches Discuss How the Game is Played
Thursday, October 02
Pack Volleyball Then and Now. Former Players Compare Uniforms and Gear
Friday, September 12