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Furman Volleyball Blanks Elon, 3-0
Nov. 1, 2006
Elon, N.C. - Whitney Purser recorded 13 kills and 13 digs and Furman tallied 10 service aces as the Paladins defeated Elon 3-0 (30-20, 30-28, 30-27) on Tuesday night at Alumni Gym.
Purser's game-high 13 kills marked the sixth time she reached double-figure in kills this season. She now has four double-doubles on the year. Kerry Wooten added nine kills for the Paladins, and Alison West and Nicole Palazzo each tallied eight kills.
Kim Tonkin tied with Purser for game-high honors with 13 defensive saves. Courtney Stewardson recorded 36 set assists and added a career-high six service aces. Wooten led the net defense with six total blocks (one solo), while Palazzo added four total blocks (one solo).
Elon jumped out to a quick 11-5 lead in game one before Furman's 11-1 run gave the Paladins the lead at 16-12. The Paladins scored four of the last five points, including two Purser kills, to end game one.
Game two was much closer, with neither team able to pull ahead by more than three points. With Elon holding a 24-22 lead, Furman reeled off five straight points to take a three point lead at 27-24. Elon responded with a 4-0 run of its own to take a 28-27 lead and force a Paladin timeout. Furman scored the last three points of the game on an Aly Hock kill, a Wooten solo block, and a Wooten kill.
In game three, Furman jumped out to a quick 5-1 start, with Palazzo blocking three straight balls to begin the frame. With Furman holding a 6-4 advantage, the Paladins won nine of the next 11 points to stretch the lead to 15-5 and force Elon to use its second timeout of the game. The Phoenix fired out of the timeout with six straight points, and 10 of the next 11 to take a 17-16 lead. Elon took a 27-25 lead forcing Furman into its final timeout, and the Paladins responded by closing out the match with five straight points, including two Palazzo kills and two Stewardson service aces.
With the win, Furman improves to 15-10 overall, 11-3 in the Southern Conference. Elon falls to 11-15 on the season, 8-7 in conference play. The Paladins return to action this weekend as Furman plays host to Appalachian State on Saturday and Davidson on Sunday. Furman will celebrate Senior Day during the Sunday match, as Purser, Hock, and Tonkin will be playing in their final regular season home match.
