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SM stops Asheville in volleyball match
Volleyball Brittany Hilton (25) attempts to block an Asheville spike in Smoky Mountain's victory last week. - Herald photo by Carey Phillips Smoky Mountain ended a three-match losing streak with a 15-12, 15-13, 15-3 Mountain Athletic Conference volleyball victory last Thursday at Asheville.

The Lady Mustangs (8-4, 5-4) nearly let big leads slip away in the first two games then breezed to victory in game three.

"We need to do a better job of closing teams out when we get a big lead," Coach Cindi Simmons said. "We did manage to hold on and finish on a positive note with a strong win in game three."

Stasha Nicholson's four points, including two aces, along with kills by Ryan Cook and Brittany Hilton gave SM a 5-1 lead in game one. Bonnie Claxton served four points, including an ace, and Elizabeth Trine had a kill for a 9-2 advantage. Kristin McAbee's four points, including an ace, made it 14-4. SM had trouble closing the deal and missed on seven game points allowing the Lady Cougars to pull within 14-12. The game ended on Hilton's block with Jessica Cook serving.

Asheville took a 3-0 edge in the second game, but McAbee ran off five points, including two aces, putting the Lady Mustangs on top 8-4.

Jessica Cook followed with four points, including two aces, and Hilton had a kill for a 12-4 lead. Claxton's two points made it 14-5, but again Asheville came charging back. This time the rally was quicker as the Lady Cougars closed within 14-13 despite SM missing just two game points. Nicholson had a kill for the clinching point off of Ryan Cook's serve.

The Lady Mustangs never scored more than two points at a time in the third game, but Asheville failed to mount a consistent attack. Nicholson had two points, including an ace, bringing the score to 14-2. They did not get stuck on 14 this time as Hilton's ace ended the match.

Hilton had 11 kills, and Jessica Cook contributed seven assists.

McAbee led in service points with 11 and served 94.1 percent. Claxton was perfect in 11 serves. Ryan Cook served 94.1 percent. Team serving was 83.9 percent.

The Lady Mustang JVs are 7-5 after a 15-11, 15-9 victory. Laura Bowers served eight points in the first game and 11 in the second.

"Our hitters were hitting very well," Coach Amanda Queen said. "We seemed to gain momentum with Laura serving in both games."

Bridget Brannigan led in kills with four.

Queen singled out Bowers for her serving and Bonnie Adams for her passing.

Back to Sports: 09/26/02.