LYNCHBURG, VA -- Top-seeded Radford made quick work of eighth-seeded Elon in the first game, however, the upstart Phoenix gave the defending champions all they could handle during the remainder of the match as Radford downed Elon, 3-1 (30-18, 23-30, 30-22, 30-25), in match #1 of the 2001 Big South Volleyball Championship, Thursday afternoon, in the Vines Center.

The Highlanders jumped out to a 13-3 lead to start off the match in the first game and never looked back as they cruised to the opening-game victory. However, the remaining three games were much different as the Phoenix used five-unanswered points to open up a lead they would not relinquish in the 30-23 game win and even the overall match.

Elon looked like it was going to continue its run in the third game as the Phoenix jumped out to a 6-2 lead, however, the Highlanders rebounded from the loss and won the game, 30-22. With Elon leading 17-15, Radford used an 8-0 to take control of the final match and put away the eighth-seeded Phoenix.

Radford was led by 2001 Big South Player of the Year Katie Sherwood (Sr., MB, Chesapeake, Va.) as she finished the match with 20 kills, nine digs and three block assists, while Sarah Gates (So., OH, Hanover, Pa.) added 19 kills and eight digs and Melissa Morgan (Sr., MB, Chesapeake, Va.) chipped in with 13 kills and a .600 hitting percentage.

Elon’s attempt to upset the top-seeded Highlanders was a total team effort as not one single member of the Phoenix squad recorded over 10 kills. Maria LaBrutto (So., OH, Vestal, N.Y.) paced the Phoenix with eight kills and eight digs, while Lindsay Lawson (Fr., S/OH, Baldwin, Md.) finished with 24 assists.

With the victory, the Highlanders advance to tomorrow’s first semifinal match, which is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. Radford will square off against the winner of today’s Game #2 which features fourth-seeded UNC Asheville and fifth-seeded Charleston Southern. The loss ends Elon’s season as the Phoenix close the year with a 6-24 record.

Game Box Score

--ELON--