Sept. 15, 2012

Box Score

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Southern Miss volleyball team concluded play at the Chilly Filmore's Invitational Saturday night, falling to host Stephen F. Austin in four games by the scores of 27-25, 25-16, 23-25, 25-20.

A trio of Golden Eagles recorded double figure kills led by Lydia Bonner with 14 followed by Jasmine Crowell with 13 and Hale Ecker with 12. Elizabeth Rinaudo tallied 14 digs while Kristen Fleming collected 40 assists.

As a team, Southern Miss finished with 46 kills on .155 hitting with 49 digs and 12.0 team blocks.

After battling back from a four-point deficit, Southern Miss used a 6-2 run to tie the set at 22-22. The teams traded points before SFA countered with two straight kills and a block to end the set for a 27-25 win.

The Ladyjacks hit .355 while holding the Golden Eagles to just .033 in taking the second set 25-16.

SFA scored 10 of the first 12 points and forced USM to take a timeout. Out of the timeout, Southern Miss mounted a comeback using a 10-2 run to tie the set at 12-12. The teams battled down the stretch until the Golden Eagles were able to go up 24-22 and holding on for the 25-23 win.

After battling to a 15-15 tie, SFA used a 7-2 run to push its lead to 22-17 late, then held on for the 25-20 win.

Cara Leslie led three Ladyjacks in double digit kills with 15 with Sabrina Burns and Jill Ivy adding 13. Madison Hanlan tallied 17 digs while Paige Holland had 50 assists and nine digs.

Rinaudo earned all-tournament team honors for her three-match performance. Southern Miss returns to action when the Golden Eagles open Conference USA play against Tulane on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.

All-Tournament Team
MVP:Paige Holland (SFA)
Cara Leslie (SFA)
Mackenzie Neely (NWLA)
Glynna Johnson (NWLA)
Elizabeth Rinaudo (USM)
Lindsey Monger (RMU)