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KENNESAW, Ga. – The win streak moved to five for Kennesaw State Volleyball as the Owls claimed a 3-1 victory (22-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22) over Delaware to sweep the season series between the two teams on Saturday afternoon from VyStar Arena. The win kept the Owls in a tie for third place in Conference USA at 8-2, just one game out of first place, and they moved to 14-6 overall, which also ties last year's total win mark.
STAT OF THE GAME: For the second straight game the Owls held a decisive advantage in total kills, recording 59 total for the game, to just 42 for the Blue Hens.
OWL OF THE GAME: Junior middle blocker
Olivia Burrage turned in an outstanding afternoon, as she recorded 14 kills while hitting a game-high .423 (14K-3E-26TA), and she also led the Owls with six total blocks.
THE RUNDOWN – All four sets were very competitive, especially the first that featured eight ties and five lead changes. Delaware led 11-10 when the Owls reeled off an 8-2 run to go up 18-13 thanks to a kill from
Manu Johnsen. The Hens would rally to tie the score at 20-20, but a pair of kills from Johnsen helped seal the 25-22 win, putting KSU up 1-0. The second set had the Owls up 11-6 and 16-14, before a 7-1 spurt put the visitors ahead 21-17. The deciding moment of the match came near the end of the third, when the Hens scored three straight to go up 22-18. The Owls responded with a dominant run, scoring the next four points to tie the set at 22-22. After an attack error to fall behind 23-22, the Owls scored the next three points, the final off an ace by
Caroline Chastang for a 25-23 set win and a 2-1 lead in the match. KSU carried that momentum into the fourth set, as it never trailed and led by as much as six at 19-13. Delaware would rally, closing within 23-22 before back-to-back kills from Johnsen finished off the victory.
POSTGAME QUOTES
KSU HEAD COACH KEITH SCHUNZEL
"Proud of our team for getting the weekend sweep. We fought really hard today and made some big plays down the stretch. It's been fun to watch us continue to train hard and improve one day and one week at a time. Long way to go in the season, but excited in the position we've put ourselves in up to this point."
NOTES
-KSU continued its strong season behind the service line with 11 aces in the four-set win.
-Johnsen led all players with 18 kills and she also added a game-high five aces.
-Also in double-figures for kills was Haley Paterson with 11 and
Kiernan Stamey with 10.
-Setters
Kaeley Walz and
Kourtney Brown posted 30 and 20 assists, respectively, while
Leah Freeman added a team-high 11 digs.
NEXT TIME OUT: The Owls are on the road on Halloween weekend for a pair of contests against Sam Houston in Huntsville, Texas. Friday's game will have a 7 p.m. (ET) start, while Saturday's game on Nov. 1 will be a 2 p.m. (ET) contest, and both games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
