Catawba Ends Losing Skid With Sweep of Coker

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Catawba snapped a five-match losing streak and nabbed its first league win of the season on Saturday afternoon at Goodman Gym, sweeping Coker in three sets in South Atlantic Conference volleyball action. The Catawba Indians up their record to 3-7 overall and 1-3 in the SAC, winning by the scores of 25-17, 25-18 and 25-20. Coker goes to 3-8 and 0-5.

After a negative hitting night on Friday against nationally-ranked Wingate, Catawba responded by hitting at a 24% clip against the Cobras, adding six blocks and serving seven aces. Coker hit just over 2% in the loss.

Rachel Gonzales led Catawba with 13 kills. Ashley Johnson followed with 11 kills and recorded four blocks. Libero Kary Hales posted 15 digs and served three aces, while Hayes Smith also had three aces. Dara Kane handed out 31 assists with an ace and two blocks. 

The first set was tight early and Catawba trailed at 14-12 before putting together a seven-point run to lead 19-14. Gonzales had two kills in the run, while Johnson added a kill and a solo block. Coker pulled within 20-17, but the Catawba Indians ran off the final five points.

Catawba surged ahead early in set two. The Lady Indians pushed a 7-5 lead to 17-8 after an ace by Hales. Raytchelle Miranda had four of her five kills in the run. Coker closed a 22-12 deficit to 24-18 before Gonzales killed off the set point.

Coker went up 6-2 to start set three, but consecutive aces from Hales rallied Catawba to a 7-6 edge. The Cobras were on top 12-10 before Catawba took over with an 8-0 run. Johnson had a kill and two blocks in the run that sparked the sweep.

Catawba hits the road for its next match on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Elizabeth City State.