Box Score (Match 1)

Box Score (Match 2)

DURHAM, N.C. – The Elon University volleyball team continued its hot start to the 2010 season on Saturday, as the Phoenix captured the Hilton RTP/North Carolina Central University Tournament title with a pair of 3-0 sweeps over NCCU (25-13, 25-10, 25-15) and Gardner-Webb University (25-12, 25-15, 25-13) at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

Elon (4-0) was the only team in the tournament to finish with an undefeated record, as the Phoenix dropped only two sets in the two-day affair and captured eight-straight set victories going back to yesterday’s victory over the University of Texas at El Paso. Senior Sarah Schermerhorn was named tournament MVP, while junior Caroline Lemke and sophomore Allison Johnson both earned all-tournament accolades.

“We’re obviously very pleased to win the tournament and we had the opportunity to see a lot of great things out of our team this weekend as we move forward,” said Elon head coach Mary Tendler. “Our outside hitters started out the tournament on fire and we continued to carry that momentum throughout both days, but the strength of our team came through its passing and defense. We had a balanced attack in all four games, which gave us the opportunity to give a lot of people playing time.”

The Phoenix never trailed in its first match of the day versus host NCCU, as a balanced attack up front and several errors by the Eagles helped pave the way for the Elon victory. Johnson led the Phoenix with a team-best eight kills in the opening match, hitting .353. Johnson recorded a team-best 41 kills in tournament, hitting .330 and averaging over three kills per set. Senior Lauren Copenhagen and Lemke both posted five kills for Elon in the win over NCCU.

Elon continued its dominance over to its fourth and final match of the tournament versus Gardner-Webb, as the Phoenix wore down the Bulldogs down the stretch with several key digs in the final few points to capture the 3-0 sweep and improve to 4-0 on the year.

Lemke led the Phoenix with a team-best 11 kills versus GWU, hitting .714 against the Bulldogs. Copenhagen and junior Traci Stewart both registered eight kills apiece for Elon in the win, while junior Ali Deatsch posted a match-best 10 digs.

“Having the chance to play all 15 players gives us a lot of confidence going into Tuesday’s home opener,” Tendler added. “It’s going to be our first match inside Jordan Gym in a very long time, so we’re excited to see the fans come in and pack the arena and give us their support.”