JACKSON, Tenn. (09.15.09) - The Bethel volleyball team had a 2-0 game lead on the host Lady Bulldogs of Union University, but could not hold on, losing a hard fought match 3-2. Both teams came into the match undefeated and Bethel was riding their best start in school history at 7-0. The night was marked with high energy as a large contingent of Bethel students were in attendance cheering the team on.
It looked like the Lady Wildcats were on a mission early as they took the first two games. Bethel started 10-1 and cruised to an easy win in game one, 25-13. BU dominated game two, never trailing, although the score was a little closer, 25-19.
But, the tide turned in game three. Bethel fell behind early, but tied the score at 18-18 before Union went on to win 25-21. In game four, the Lady ‘Cats fell behind early and could never catch back up losing 25-20.
In the decisive game five, after Union jumped out to an early lead, the teams were never separated by more than a point until Union won the game and the match 15-13.
Thaise Vieira, named TranSouth Player of the Week on Monday, led the Lady Wildcats with 32 kills on 69 attempts. She also led the team with two service aces, had 13 digs, two solo blocks and one block assist. Adrianna Bookout-Gonzalez added 15 kills, two service aces, nine digs and one block assist. Jessica Vieira had 10 kills and seven digs. Abbey Masters had 56 set assists, one kill, one service ace and 16 digs. Michele Cunha led the team with 33 digs and had one kill. Lori Magnusen had 21 digs and a service ace. Shea Sheppard had three kills, a service ace, six digs and on block assist.
The Lady Wildcats are 7-1 (4-1) on the season. They will be participating in the Cumberland University Tournament, Friday and Saturday September 18-19, 2009 in Lebanon, Tenn. On Friday, the Lady Wildcats face Faulkner University (Ala.) at 5:00pm and Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) at 7:00pm. On Saturday, Bethel will play Mountain State University (W.V.) at 9:00am and The University of Rio Grande (Ohio) at 11:00am.
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Thaise Vieira goes for the kill. |
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Shea Sheppard and Deseray Washington team up for a block. |
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Jessica Vieira winds up for a kill. |
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Thaise Vieira slamming it home. |
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Abbey Master and Thaise Vieira look to slow down Union. |
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Thaise Vieira gives it her all. |
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Michele Cunha returning serve. |
