Box Score

DECATUR, Ga. – In the conference opener for both programs, the Agnes Scott College women's volleyball team fought back from a two sets to one deficit against Salem College this afternoon at home, but it was not enough as the Spirits (5-6, 2-0 GSAC) downed the Scotties (3-9, 0-1 GSAC) in five sets (25-14, 17-25, 31-29, 19-25, 15-13).

It was a tale of two games in the early going, with Salem racing out to a one set lead, taking advantage of 12 errors off of the attack by the Scotties.  In set two, however, the Scotties raced out to a 13-8 lead and never looked back, taking the set 25-17.

In the third, and most competitive, set of the afternoon, the Scotties and Spirits traded momentum throughout, with neither team holding more than a four point advantage.  The set eventually went down to the wire, but one of 22 kills on the day by Hillary McPhatter of Salem gave the visitors a 31-29 victory.  It was the longest set of the season for the Scotties.

Not to be outdone, the Scotties fired back with another strong set of their own, with Lauren Aikens contributing 7 of her 22 kills in the fourth set.  Her seventh one of the set sealed it for the Scotties, 25-19.

Unfortunately for the home fans, McPhatter contributed five of her 22 kills in the final set, including the game winner to seal it for the Spirits, 15-13.

"We will continue to work on our transition game and offensive attack," commented Scottie head coach Catherine Geerlings. "We cannot give up runs and expect to fight our way back. We must play our game, and play it consistently. "

Shakirah Dodson contributed 43 assists on the afternoon, to go along with 6 kills and 13 digs on the day.  Shelli Sherman led Agnes Scott defensively with 23 digs, and Destiny Dawkins had a season-high 19 to add to the effort.  Offensively, Aikens led with 22 kills, and was joined in double digits by Kayleigh McCrary and Lexus Travis with 10 apiece.

The Scotties return to the court on Friday, September 26 when they travel down the road to take on the #2 nationally-ranked Emory University Eagles.  Game time at Emory is 4:30 p.m.

Sophomore Lexus Travis had 10 kills against Salem on Saturday afternoon. 

Watch Coach G's Post-Game Interview