Golden Tigers Pounce on the Eagles

GAINESVILLE, Ga - The Brenau University volleyball team faced off against Reinhardt University, for their first match of the season. The Golden Tigers wasted no time, as they pounced on the Lady Eagles in three straight sets, with the scores of 25-17, 25-11, and 25-12. With this victory, Brenau advances to a record of 1-0, as Reinhardt drops to an overall record of 2-3.

Outside hitter, Melissa Thornton (Woodstock, GA), led Brenau offensively with 13 kills, 4 service aces, 17 digs, and 1 assist. Newcomer Rachel Adam (Athens, GA) stepped up in the middle earning 7 kills and 9 blocks.

"I think our team did a great job implementing plays offensively, but did an even better job of executing our defense. This is the first time we have beaten Reinhardt in 3 straight sets, and it is largely due to the fact that they never got a clean kill off of us", commented Coach Franklin.

Danelle Rusell (Cartersville, GA), who had recently been moved from libero to outside, had a solid game against the Eagles; she collected 6 kills, 6 service aces, and 14 digs. With that said, Alexis Arthur (Aiken, SC) was also getting adjusted to a new position, as middle blocker, where she totaled 3 kills, 3 blocks, and 9 digs.

Coach Franklin went on to add, "We are a small team, in terms of our roster size, however we are fortunate enough to have well-rounded athletes who are capable of playing several positions. When comparing this team to those of the past, we are much scrappier and demonstrate more athleticism."

It goes without saying that Brenau's setters contributed to the team's success, as well. Mekenna Cipres (Murrieta, CA) earned 4 kills, 14 assists, 4 service aces, 5 digs, and 4 blocks, while Kerry Abernathy (Celebration, FL) collected 2 kills, 15 assists, 2 service aces, and 6 digs.

The Golden Tigers will be back in action this Thursday, September 1st, against LaGrange College. The home match is scheduled to start @ 7:00pm.