MCKENZIE, Tenn. (09.10.09) - For the first time in Bethel University's volleyball history, the Lady Wildcats defeated the Lady Lions of Freed-Hardeman University and did so in impressive fashion, 3-0. Bethel almost pulled off the feat in 2008, when they were up 2-1 and six points in the third game, before falling three games to two. It was also an important win for the Lady Wildcats as FHU was receiving votes in the NAIA top 25 and kept Bethel unbeaten on the year.
Bethel got off to a fast start taking game one 25-14. Bethel built a 10-5 lead on the serves of Adrianna Bookout-Gonzalez and Abbey Masters. Four strong serves by Michelle Cunha gave Bethel their biggest lead 22-13. From there the Lady ‘Cats closed out the game to take a 1-0 lead.
In game two, Bethel built a sizeable lead but had to hold off FHU for a close win. Bethel took a 10-3 lead to start game two, but the Lady Lions kept chipping away and took a 17-16 lead. BU retook the lead 22-20 and withstood the charge by FHU for the 25-21 win.
The Lady Wildcats did the opposite in the final game, as they fell behind 10-3 to the Lady Lions and had to come back for the victory. After an early time out, Bethel regrouped to tie the game 20-20 on Thaise Vieira's kill. Back and forth it went until Bethel claimed the match 25-23.
T. Vieira led the Lady Wildcats offense with 18 kills on 19 total attacks. She also had one solo block and five block assists. Adrianna Bookout-Gonzalez added seven kills on 14 total attacks, two service aces and two block assists. Masters had four kills, had 32 assists, four service aces, eight digs and two block assists. Jessica Vieira posted four kills and three digs. Cunha has a service ace and 21 digs. Shea Sheppard had three kills, two assists, one service ace, one dig, one solo block and one block assist.
Bethel is 5-0 (3-0) on the season. They will be traveling to Batesville, Ark. to face the Pipers of Lyon College on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 11:00am. Then they will face Philander Smith College at 1:00pm. The Lady Wildcats will have another big challenge in front of them on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 in Jackson, Tenn. against the Lady Bulldogs of Union University at 7:00pm.
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Bethel players celebrated after the final point in the prgram's first win over Freed-Hardeman. |
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#3 Shea Sheppard and #21 Thaise Vieira team up for a block against FHU's #17 Karim Raymond. |
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Bethel's #21 Thaise Vieira winds up for one of her 18 kills in the match against Freed-Hardeman. |
