LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Bellarmine Volleyball Team opened up their 2009 home schedule with a convincing win over Kentucky State University, 25-11, 25-17, 25-19 in front of a raucous Knights Hall crowd.
The Knights jumped on the Thorobrettes early, recording 14 kills in the first set and 13 in the second to build a 2-0 lead without ever trailing.
"Tonight was a great home opener," said Bellarmine Head Coach Dan Palmer. "Knights Hall was filled with great energy tonight as we took the floor. It was nice to beac in Knights hall with a ton of student support for the team."
Bellarmine's senior setter, Caryn Schoeff, recorded 34 assists and one kill running the Knights' offense on a night when almost everything went right and four Knights hit over .300 for the match. They were led by freshmen Lucy Knott (.571) and Whitney Tormoehlen, (.429). The others were juniors Lindsey Schmalz (.400) and Emily Beckman (.309). Beckman also turned in 10 kills, to tie KSU's Mercedes Parker for match high.
Bellarmine junior libero Kaitlan Harris provided the highlight of the night with three consecutive service aces in Set 2. She finished the match with four aces to go with her nine digs.
"The girls all had some highlight moments," Palmer said, "and while it's still early in the season we are already stringing together some incredible points."
Kentucky State (2-1) was led by junior DeNae Shelton with a game high 3.5 blocks. Sophomore Mercedes Parkers led the squad with 10 kills, but committed nine attack errors.
The Knights (3-2) will embark on a rare 16-day stretch with no matches. They return to the court for their Great Lakes Valley Conference opener at Knights Hall on September 18 with a 7:00 p.m. match against the University of Southern Indiana.
