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RADFORD, Va. – It was a straight set victory for the Kennesaw State volleyball team on Saturday afternoon (25-12, 25-12, 25-18), as the Owls took down N.C. A&T State in the opening game on day two of the La Quinta Inn and Suites Radford Invitational.
 
The win was the first for KSU under first-year head coach Keith Schunzel as the team evens up its record on the young season at 1-1.

"I'm excited about the way that we came out focused and ready to compete at a high level," said Schunzel. "We had a lot of players contribute and for the most part we played really clean volleyball. It's really encouraging to see us improve every time we're on the floor and we feel like we're ready to go for tonight's final match."
 
The Owls eased out to the 5-0 lead over the Aggies in the opening set, thanks in large part to three straight kills from junior outside hitter Keyaira Stevenson and an ace from the veteran setter Sara Metroka. KSU then closed out the set on a 6-1 run to take the first, 25-12.
 
It was another quick start for KSU in the second set, jumping up 5-1 in the early goings before clipping off five straight points midway through to go ahead 14-5. Sara Young then gave the Owls a 2-0 match lead with a service ace to end the set, 25-12.
 
The Owls trailed for the first time during the match in the third set, falling behind to the Aggies (0-2) 7-6. The lead was short lived for N.C. A&T, however, as the Owls pulled away following a timeout, scoring two straight to take the lead on kills by Kelly Marcinek and Cierra Royster. The Aggies knotted things up again at 10, but a service ace from freshman Fanise Cannon helped widen the KSU lead as the Owls took the match with a 25-18 set win.
 
Marcinek again led the way in kills with eight while Metroka aided in the effort with 30 assists. Michelle Witt and Cannon combined for four service aces with libero Camille Pedraza coming up with 10 digs on the defensive end.
 
As a team, the Owls combined for 10 blocks, three each from Toure Hopkins, Megan McGuinness and Chade Martin and one from Metroka.
 
6-5 redshirt freshman middle blocker McGuinnes made her first appearance in a KSU jersey, earning two kills and her three blocks while Sharme Ridley made her debut as well.
 
The Owls will take a brief respite before taking the court again later today against the host team Radford at 5:30 p.m. ET.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State volleyball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsVB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.

Fans are reminded that tickets to all 2013 home volleyball contests are free throughout the year.

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