GREENSBORO, N.C.- Appalachian State University volleyball dropped its second straight match Saturday afternoon, as the Apps were swept by UNCG 3-0. With the loss ASU falls to 6-12 on the season and 2-2 in league play, while UNCG improves to 8-9 overall and 1-2 in the SoCon.
The Apps came out strong in first set play, taking a 9-8 lead despite falling behind in the early part of the set. A kill by Maggie Seeds and Spartan attack error pushed the Black and Gold's lead to two points at the 13-11 mark. A 4-0 run put UNCG back in the match, as they regained the lead for the first time since the 8-7 mark going ahead 14-13.
The advantage was all the Spartans needed, leading by as many as four points, including holding the 24-20 lead, but four straight points by the Mountaineers off of kills by Kelly Rhein and Maja Jechorek knotted first set action at 24 all. The score was tied once more at 25 all, but Appalachian could not get over the hump, as an ASU service error and kill by Caley Redden earned the Spartans the 27-25 first set win.
Offensive force by Lauren Swecker, Becca Norris and Jechorek earned Appalachian a 7-3 advantage in the second set, but the Spartans came storming back going on a 10-4 run to make the score 20-14. Errors proved to be ASU's achilles heel, as they tallied six in that time span to give UNCG the commanding lead. It was too little to late for the Black and Gold who were unable to rebound as three kills by Billi Baker and two errors by Appalachian gave UNCG the 25-16 second set victory.
Appalachian continued to rally in the third set, tying the score on two different occassions before both squads reached the ten point mark. Despite the strong play, UNCG earned the four point advantage at the 12-8 mark.
Three points would be the closest of margins for ASU as offense came from all over by the Spartans earning them the 20-13 advantage. A 5-1 run by the Apps with two kills by Jechorek and a kill by Norris made the score 21-18 with the Apps working towards a comeback.
Unfortunately for ASU, the comeback came up short, as UNCG was able to grab the 25-21 third set and match win.
Appalachian returns to action Saturday October 10, as they take on Chattanooga, at 7:30 p.m. in the Holmes Center.
