Elon Phoenix Volleyball Falls in Season Opener at Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Elon volleyball team fought hard to keep the match going but was not able to best Charlotte today, Aug. 26, falling in its season opener, 3-1 (14-25, 23-25, 25-19, 20-25), in Halton Arena in the Charlotte Invitational.

The Phoenix (0-1) was led by Kam Terry who recorded 17 kills and a career-high 14 digs for the second double-double of her career. Sydel Curry also notched a double-double with a match-high 31 assists and 12 digs. Both Sydney Busa and Kayla Agae posted eight kills.

On defense, the maroon and gold tallied 12 total blocks led by seven from Ally Karle and four by Michelle Klein. Libero Maddie Jaudon finished with 19 digs, while Agae added another 17 for the Phoenix.

The 49ers (1-0) saw 14 kills and 20 digs from Janell Sparks, while Sofie Perrens added another double-double with 26 assists and 19 digs. Jocelyn Stoner posted a match-high eight blocks to help Charlotte finish with 14 total team blocks.

How it Happened
In the first set, a kill by Terry pulled the Phoenix within one, 6-5, before the 49ers took the next four points, 9-5, forcing an Elon timeout. Kills by Karle and Terry kept the maroon and gold within three, 11-8, but an 11-1 run by Charlotte helped the 49ers to win the set, 25-14.

With the second set tied at four all, the Phoenix used kills and back-to-back blocks by Busa and Karle to take an 8-4 edge. The 49ers responded for a 9-8 advantage before kills by Terry and Agae put the maroon and gold back in front by three, 16-13. Charlotte reached set point, 24-21, as the Phoenix was able to close the gap to one, 24-23, off another Terry kill and a Curry ace. However, the 49ers claimed a close 25-23 win for a 2-0 match lead.

A kill and block by Terry put the maroon and gold ahead by three, 13-10, in the third set before the 49ers answered to move in front, 14-13. With Charlotte still holding a one-point lead, 16-15, kills by Agae and Busa helped the Phoenix reclaim the advantage, 18-16. Elon closed out the set on a 7-2 run with the help of two kills by Terry and one by Curry for a 25-19 final to keep the match alive, 2-1.

In the fourth set, a kill by Terry and block by Karle and Agae kept the score even at three early. Charlotte managed to moved ahead by six, 12-6, and hold the same advantage for a 20-16 lead. Elon closed the gap to three, 21-18, off kills from Klein and Terry, a Klein ace and a block by Karle and Ebony Scott but the 49ers took the set, 25-20, to earn the match win.

Up Next
Elon continues play in the Charlotte Invitational tomorrow, Aug. 27, when the Phoenix takes on Campbell at 5 p.m. in Halton Arena