VOLLEYBALL CRUSHES MARIST IN SECOND ROUND OF THE SACRAMENTO STATE INVITE

9/3/2011

Senior Eryn Kirby led all players with 17 kills in the Hornets' 3-0 victory over Marist

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Senior Eryn Kirby had a match-best 17 kills to go along with a .438 hitting percentage to lead the Hornets to a 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-12, 25-15) over Marist in the second round of the Sacramento State Volleyball Invitational Saturday afternoon at Colberg Court.

Kirby’s 17 kills were 11 more than any other player on the floor as the Yuba City, Calif., native had just three errors in 32 attacks. She had four kills in the first frame, five more in the second, and eight in the third. She also had six digs and four blocks, and accounted for 20 points despite the match lasting just three sets.

With the victory, the Hornets improved to 3-2 overall, and 1-1 in the two-day tournament. Sacramento State, which is hosting the tournament for the ninth straight season, returns later tonight to face Cal State Northridge at 7:30 p.m. in the final round. Marist dropped to 0-2 at the tournament and 2-4 overall. In this morning’s match, Cal State Northridge swept Fresno State. For complete tournament information, click here.

Sacramento State limited the Red Foxes to a .000 hitting percentage as Marist had 23 kills and 23 errors in 99 attacks. The Hornets had 21 more kills than Marist (44-23) and hit a season-best .327. That included just nine errors in 107 total attacks.

Four different Sacramento State players hit better than .410, comprised of Kirby, Olivia Moss (four kills, .500 hitting percentage), Jessie Genger (four kills, .444 hitting percentage) and Janelle Currey (five kills, .417 hitting percentage). Libero Breanne Menees and defensive specialist Sydney Kordic each had a match-high nine digs.

Sacramento State also tallied 9.0 team blocks, including four each from Moss and Maddison Thivierge.

For Marist, Mackenzie Stephens led the way with six kills and a .417 hitting percentage.