Volleyball Splits on Day One of Mariner Invitational

On day one of the Mariner Invitational in Brunswick, Georgia, the Brenau Golden Tigers volleyball team started the 2014 season with a loss to College of Coastal Georgia, but bounced back in the evening session to capture their first win of the season over Webber International (Fla.) University.

In game one, the Golden Tigers got off to a slow start dropping the first set 25-8, but played better in the second set 25-19. Brenau was up early in the third set 7-6, but was unable to hold on to win the set, falling to the host team 25-12.

Seniors Rachel Adam and Sydney Koon tied for the lead in kills with 5 each, while Chelsea Foster led the Golden Tigers with 13 assists.

Defensive specialist Lindsey Kelly posted 20 digs in the match, which put the senior over the 1000 dig mark for her career.

In the nightcap, the Golden Tigers pulled together to defeat Webber International 20-25, 25-21, 27-25, 15-25, 15-3.

Koon again led Brenau with 25 kills, while Adam notched 12 kills and 2 blocks. Foster and Bailey Hicks combined for 40 assists, while Kelly added 21 digs. Freshman Cayla Graham posted 10 kills and 18 digs in her second career collegiate match.

"After a tough morning against a very good Coastal Georgia team, I'm very proud of the team's resilience as they fought through adversity to win against another good team in Webber International," said head coach Michael Carter. "This team is making a lot of changes in the way they are used to playing and we really got better every game".

Brenau (1-1) finishes up the Mariner Invitational with a Saturday morning match versus conference opponent Faulkner (Ala.) University at 9 am eastern, and concludes their trip versus Marygrove (MI) College at 4:30 pm.