Hollins University

         Jessie Deese '15      

Roanoke, VA - Hollins University Volleyball vs Virginia Intermont College September 22, 2011

Box Score

On Thursday night, the Hollins volleyball team put their unbeaten home streak on the line when they played host to Virginia Intermont College.  Hollins brought a 4-0 home record into the non-conference match.  Hollins came out slow and fell behind 4-0 to start the match.  The Cobras were able to keep Hollins at arms length and won the first set 25-12.  The second set was much closer but Hollins couldn't withstand a late Intermont rally and fell 25-21.  After a short break Hollins came out looking to fight back and make it a match.  The home team was able to get a slight lead and hold on to take the 3rd, 25-22.  Looking to tie the match at two sets apiece, Hollins was able to assert some strength at the net.  13 kills later Hollins had tied the match at 2-2 forcing a decisive fifth set and trying to improve to 5-0 at home.  The final set saw three separate momentum swings starting with the Cobras gaining an early two point lead.  Hollins turned the tables and took the lead back 8-7 when the two team switched ends of the court.  However, the last swing went in favor of the visitors and Hollins fell 12-15 in a hard fought final frame.

Ally Reed (Sterling, VA/Dominion) put forth a solid all around match by recording 14 kills, an assist, and 20 digs.  Middle Mandi McDade (Eustis, FL/Eustis) added 13 kills and 21 digs while Briana Taborn (Creedmoor, NC/South Granville) pitched in with 10 kills.  Setter Jessie Deese (Cary, NC/Apex) handed out a game high 41 assists on Hollins' 45 kills and defensive specialist Morgan Russell (Peoria, AZ/Liberty) added 22 digs.

Virginia Intermont was led by Brandi Blessing with 21 kills and 19 digs.  Rachael Bell (13) and Jessica Brasington (10) each reached double digits in kills.  Tori Starnes had 23 assists while Ashley Hooven added 16.  Libero tiffany Vu had a match high 33 digs.

Hollins will remain at home when they host ODAC rival Guilford College next Thursday.  The September 29th match is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.