Volleyball Wins Two To Take Liberty Invite Title

Saturday, September 6

Lynchburg, Va.

8 a.m.

Murray State

5-0

USC Upstate

2-4

Murray State

USC Upstate

9/6/2014 11:48:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Murray State volleyball swept both opponents USC Upstate and Howard during the second day of the Liberty Invitational. The Racers beat USC Upstate 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-11) before winning against Howard 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-17).

The Racers were named Liberty Invitational Champions. Taylor Olden was Tournament MVP, while Scottie Ingram and Kristen Besselsen were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Game two vs. Howard (3-0, 25-18, 25-21, 25-17)

During the final game of Murray State's Liberty Invitational, the Racers defeated new opponent, the Bison.

The first set started very close until Murray State took a 7-6 lead. Murray State continued their dominance and took a 16-9 lead before Howard cut the lead. MSU took the first set 25-18. The second set was a back and forth set. Howard had a 14-13 lead before MSU took the next three points to take a 16-14 lead. The set continued to be a close set until the Racers took the set 25-21. The third set was a close set until MSU took a 12-8 lead. Howard was able to take the lead 14-13 before Murray State took the next nine points to take the lead and make it a 21-14 set. Murray State took the third set 25-17.

Besselsen recorded a double-double with 13 kills and 12 digs. Ingram added 10 kills. Olden recorded 13 digs, leading the Racers. Ellie Lorenz also added 11 digs. Sam Bedard recorded 32 assists.

Game one vs. USC Upstate (3-0, 25-23, 25-19, 25-11)

In the first meeting between these two teams, the Racers took the advantage winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-11).

The first set was very close. The Spartans jumped out to a 6-4 lead before the set became back and forth. The score continued to go from a team one point lead to a tie before Murray State was able to gain the lead on a service ace from Scottie Ingram to make the score 23-22. The Racers won the set 25-23. During the second set, MSU took a quick lead. They went up 9-4 early in the set. USC Upstate tried to cut the lead, but was not able to gain enough momentum to put themselves ahead of the Racers. The Racers took the second set 25-19. The third set was a quick win for MSU. The score looked close during the set with the Racers only taking a 9-5 lead, but the Racers were able to score in big ways on Spartan errors to gain an advantage before taking the set 25-11.

Olden led the team with 14 kills, followed by Ingram who added nine.

Bedard led the team in assists with 32. She also led with 15 digs to give her a double-double.

Lorenz added 13 digs for the Racers. While Alyssa Lelm and Besselsen helped defensively with seven and six blocks, respectively.

"I'm happy that we got better each set." Said head coach David Schwepker. "They were learning about the other team and making adjustments to get better."