DeLand, Fla. - The Stetson volleyball team (1-13) snapped a program-record 13-match losing streak and captured its first win of 2009 in the process with a 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, 25-15 win over Volusia County rival Bethune-Cookman (4-10) at the Edmunds Center Tuesday evening. Freshman setter Kelli Carneal (Fredericksburg, Va.) had 31 assists, 10 digs and eight kills for the Hatters, who improved to 44-3 all-time against B-CU all-time. Junior outside hitter Stephanie Canfield (Panama City, Fla.) tied for the match high with 11 kills.
The Hatters and Lady Wildcats traded convincing set victories to start the match. Stetson out-hit B-CU .333 to .091 in the first set before getting out-hit .280 to -.080 in the second stanza. After the 10-minute intermission it was a different story, however, as the more focused Hatters passed and attacked the ball much more efficiently to pull away for the four-set victory. Carneal punctuated her first collegiate victory herself with a surprise attack and kill off a dig from freshman defensive specialist Monique Russell (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Along with Canfield's 11 kills, senior middle blocker Laura Boyd (La Crescenta, Calif.) had one of her best statistical matches of the year with nine kills and six blocks, including three solo blocks. Sophomore outside hitter Kaylee Ream (Venice, Fla.) added eight kills of her own with sophomore middle blocker Sam Freeman (Gulf Breeze, Fla.) collecting six kills, six blocks and two service aces. Carneal's 10 digs led the defensive effort with senior libero Anna Becker (McLean, Ill.) recording nine digs and Russell seven.
Chelle Ticeson and Jessica Wilson notched 11 kills each to pace Bethune-Cookman; Wilson reached double-double status by recording 10 digs as well. Setter Daryl Rodriguez also had a double-double on the night with 35 assists and 12 digs.
Stetson will look to build on this victory when it returns to Atlantic Sun Conference action Friday at USC Upstate. The match begins at 7 p.m. and will be webcast on A-Sun.TV; live stats are available at www.upstatespartans.com.
