The top seeded Lees-McRae Lady Bobcats volleyball team advanced
to Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference Championship Game with a
3-1 win (30-24, 30-28, 27-30, 30-21) over fifth seeded Anderson
University. With the loss, the Lady Trojans conclude their season
with a 22-16 record. The Lady Bobcats improve to 28-7
overall.
Much can be said of the Lady Bobcats dynamic duo of seniors
Lacie Smith and Amanda Huffaker. The pair of preseason AVCA All
Americans, recently named All Time All CVAC Team members as well as
2006 All-CVAC First Teamers, led the Lady Bobcats in two of the
game's most important areas, hitting and blocking. Smith,
(pictured left) led the attack with 21 kills while Huffaker,
(pictured below) contributed 8. Smith also added 14 digs and three
service aces, while Huffaker had 3.5 total blocks, two solo and
three assists.
"Lacie and Amanda have stepped up to the plate so to speak,"
commented Head Coach Jamie Petrik. "Realizing their collegiate
careers are coming to a close, they are leaving everything on the
court every time, in an attempt to extend those careers as long as
possible. The leadership they are showing right now is above and
beyond anything I have ever seen from them."
Daviana Metti also got in on the offense contributing 13 kills
while All-CVAC performer Caty Honey and Katie Legg put down seven.
As they have all season, Lauren Dickover and Trisha Reese shared
the playmaking duties, chipping in with 30 and 28 assists
respectively. Reese also put up a team high four service aces.
Tiarra Pendleton took care of the defensive responsibilities with a
team high 16 digs while Nicole Burns also registered digs in double
figures with 11.
Anderson's offense was led by Leanna Willis with 16 kills.
Heather Swain added 9 of her own while Shaunte Heyward contributed
7 kills respectively. Jessica Pedrick had a game high 35 assists
in the match while Willis also led the team with a game high 28
digs in a losing cause. Pedrick and Jennifer Moffitt helped out
defensively as well with 19 and 16 digs against the heavy attack of
the Lady Bobcats.
"From where I was sitting, you just had to admire the play and
determination of Anderson," added Head Coach Jamie Petrik. "They
showed such a competitive spirit. I am extremely proud of the way
our team responded to being pushed to the limit like
that."
The Lady Bobcats will resume tournament play tomorrow as they look
to win their ninth consecutive CVAC Championship, awaiting the
winner of the second semi final between second seeded Limestone
College and third seeded Converse College.
