Nov. 6, 2009

Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Behind a season-high of 17 aces, Belmont volleyball earned its third-straight victory on Friday night against USC Upstate in four sets (25-20, 25-15, 25-27, 25-17).

The Bruins' season-high of 17 aces came with just 15 service errors - the fourth time this season the Belmont has recorded more service aces than errors. Additionally, the Spartans recorded no aces.

"We talk a lot about first-ball contact," head coach Deane Webb said. "Although we missed more tonight than we would have liked, overall we were plus-two on serving (aces-to-errors) and Upstate was minus-13. So a total of plus-15 on first-ball contact is a pretty big number and one of the highlights for us tonight."

Sophomore setter Channing Salava paced Belmont's service game with six aces, to tie a career-high. Junior Megan Clements also tied a career-high in aces with four - three of which coming in the second set.

Sophomore outside hitter Katie Marshal made the most of her first career start by recording a season-high 10 kills and one ace.

Belmont hit .429 in the second set to fuel a dominating 25-15 win, going into intermission with a 2-0 lead.

The Bruins lost their first-ever set to Upstate after a 25-27 decision in set four. But despite being down at set point, 20-24, the Bruins were able to force the set to extra points behind an impressive service rotation from Salava. The Clearwater, Fla., native used aggressive serves to throw-off the Spartan offense, forcing two timeouts, and recording an ace before Upstate was able to close the door.

Belmont (15-13, 11-7 A-Sun) was able to finish off the Spartans in the fourth set, 25-17, to remain unbeaten (5-0) in the series.

USC Upstate (7-20, 3-14) was led by junior middle Katie Downey with 12 kills on a .421 hitting percentage.

"It is always good to get a conference win, particularly on the road," Webb said. "We did some things tonight that were good, and some things that we need to work on as well. Regardless, it is good to get the win."

It is Belmont's second winning streak of three or more matches. The first was a six match winning streak from Sept. 19 to Oct. 3.

"For where we were a month ago and where we are now, we'll take it," continued Webb. "We are heading in the right direction in the right time of year, so we have to keep on working and getting better as we finish the season."

Belmont will face Furman tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT, in Greenville, S.C. Sisters Channing and Kelsey Salava are both starting setters for the Bruins and Lady Paladins, respectively.