Volleyball Victorious in 2007 Season-Opener

Friday, August 24

Madison, Wis.

6:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

Gardner-Webb

Cheryl Cobbina had 13 kills for the Orange in its season-opening victory against Gardner-Webb.

8/24/2007 9:13:18 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Boxscore

MADISON, WI – Sophomore middle blocker Sarah Morton led the Orange with a career-best 19 kills and eight total blocks, while senior Cheryl Cobbina added 13 kills in the Orange volleyball season-opening 3-1 victory against Gardner-Webb Friday at the InnTowner Invitational at the University of Wisconsin.

“Sarah Morton’s significant improvement has been demonstrated thus far in the preseason,” said head coach Jing Pu. “The team’s performance tonight is very encouraging.”

Redshirt-junior April Quigley paced the Orange offense with 48 assists. The Orange improves to 11-2 in season-opening matches during Pu's 13-year tenure.

Junior Brittany Kern totaled nine kills and had four service aces and sophomore Kacie MacTavish matched a career-best with 20 digs while collecting 13 kills.

“Brittany Kern, in the middle blocking position, had a very successful night,” Pu added. “Also, outside hitters Cheryl Cobbina and Kacie MacTavish handled our all-around offensive base with successful hitting.”

Syracuse cruised to a 30-21 game one win behind the efforts of Morton, Cobbina and Quigley. Senior defensive specialist Joscie Kaup, entering the match ranked second all-time at SU with 1,656 digs, tallied six of her 14 digs.

Following a 33-31 loss in game two, the Orange responded with a 30-26 come-from-behind win in game three. After trailing 25-21, Syracuse ran off nine of the next 10 points scored to secure the 2-1 match advantage. Morton and Cobbina combined to posted 12 kills as Quigley set 16 assists.

The Orange held as much as a nine-point advantage before closing out the Runnin’ Bulldogs 30-22 in game four.

Junior Marissa Kanemura made her collegiate debuts for the Orange.

The InnTowner Invitational continues Saturday, August 25 as the Orange plays Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 11:00 a.m. before meeting #11 Wisconsin at 8:00 p.m.