Volleyball snaps a three game skid with sweep of Coker

Volleyball snaps a three game skid with sweep of Coker

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Carson-Newman Eagles (7-6, 2-4) snapped a three game losing streak by defeating the Coker Cobras (3-11, 0-6) in straight sets 25-16, 25-19 and 25-15 at Timberlake Lawton Gym Saturday afternoon.

"We met prior to our match and discussed blending our talents for our team," head coach Shannon Mincey said. "Today we transitioned well emotionally from our Friday match to a new Saturday opponent. We finished in three sets and our focus has to shift to next weekend's conference play."

With the Eagles holding a 9-6 advantage in the first set, Carson-Newman took seven of the next eight points to take control 16-7 and run away with the game.

Junior outside hitters Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and Lauren Santarelli (Colorado Springs, Colo.) each pounded out three kills, part of a .368 team hitting percentage. Junior setter Kristen Pickett (Cleveland, Tenn.) dished out nine assists.

The second frame included ten ties and seven lead changes. The score was tied at 15 when the visiting squad reeled off ten of the next 14 points to earn a second set victory.

Carson-Newman took advantage of 12 attack errors by Coker that included four blocks from the Eagles. Senior right side Emily Schultz (Atlanta, Ga.) led the way with two solo blocks and a block assist.

The Eagles sealed the victory winning ten of the final 13 points to coast to a third stanza win.

Santarelli converted on four of seven kill attempts while Schultz cranked out three kills of her own. Pickett handed out ten helpers.

Carson-Newman recorded eight team blocks, tied for its second-most this season while hitting .286 in the affair.

Santarelli notched eight kills with a .438 hitting percentage.  Harper had six kills and four digs. Schultz tallied four kills, two solo blocks and two block assists. Sophomore middle hitter Kiayna O'Neal (Katy, Texas) had five kills, four digs and three block assists.

Pickett finished with 24 assists, three service aces, nine digs and three block assists.

Coker was held to a .050 hitting percentage as the Cobras committed 27 errors. Taylor Willis had a game-high 15 kills on a .300 hitting percentage.

The Eagles return home next weekend to play Catawba Friday night at 7 p.m. and Queens (N.C.) Saturday at 1 p.m. For the best coverage follow @CNathletics on Twitter or visit cneagles.com.