Sept. 4, 2009

Box Score

MACON, GA -- The Furman volleyball team defeated Bethune-Cookman, 3-0, and Mercer, 3-2, in the opening day of action at the Bear Brawl in Macon, Ga.

Freshman Natalie Braun led the Paladins with nine kills and rookie Carolyn Nicoletti recorded 15 assists and three service aces as the Paladins rolled to a 25-15, 25-11, 25-19 win over the Wildcats to open the tournament.

Later in the evening, Furman overcame a 2-0 deficit against Mercer for the win. The Bears won game one 28-26, then took game two 25-13, before the Paladins re-bounded with a 25-22 victory in game three. Furman won game four 25-21 to force a deciding fifth game, where the Paladins recorded a 15-12 score for the win.

Four Paladins recorded double-digits in kills in the match. Sophomore Kelly Kirby led the team with 20 kills, while Braun and junior Katherine Hall each added 14 kills. Sophomore Alexis Shaffer recorded a .560 attack percentage and 17 kills for the Paladins. Senior Kelsey Salava paced Furman with 65 assists and 22 digs, while freshman Caroline Adams tallied 9 blocks.

Furman (4-1) will face Troy Saturday at 1 p.m. in the final day of action at the Bear Brawl.