Box Score Due West, S.C. – On Senior Night the Erskine Flying Fleet ripped through the Crusaders of North Greenville University 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-18) in Conference Carolinas women’s volleyball action at Belk Arena.

Erskine started all seven seniors in the first set.  The Fleet fell behind early but rebounded to tie the game at 10-10.  Seniors Alicia Bragg and Erin Tovo combined for 3 straight kills to put the Fleet up 13-10.  The Crusaders fought back to retake the lead at 16-15 on consecutive kills by Gabby Sehres but the Fleet used a 10-2 run to win the set 25-18.  Senior Lauren Stewart had 4 kills and two blocks to lead the Fleet attack.

With the game tied 7-7, NGU scored four consecutive points to force Head Coach Heather Vahjen to call timeout.  The Fleet rebounded to tie the game.  Neither team could command more than a one point until junior Anna Butrym served an ace followed by another kill by Stewart to give the Fleet a 22-20 lead.  The two teams traded points with the Fleet prevailing 25-23.  Sophomore Caitlin Bullock came off the bench to lead the Fleet attack with six kills.

Erskine’s defense sparked an 11-4 run to give the Fleet a commanding 23-15 lead in the third set.  With the Fleet clinging to a one point advantage at 12-11, Bragg combined with senior Liz Massey then Bullock to stuff back-to-back Crusader attacks and ignite the Fleet run.  Erskine won the third and final set 25-18.

Stewart led the Fleet with a game-high 13 kills, 7 digs and 2 blocks.  Senior setter Larz Chabra continued her quest for 4,000 career assists recording 28 assists along with 13 digs and 2 blocks.  For Chabra, it is her 11^th double-double of the season.  Senior Bailey Thornton had a game-high 15 digs.

The Crusaders were led by Samantha Del Toro’s 10 kills as the Fleet limited the Crusaders to a .068 hitting percentage on the night.

Erskine climbs to 14-10 overall and 12-2 in conference while NGU slips to 14-15 overall and 6-7 in conference.

Erskine secured the #1 seed Western Division seed in the upcoming conference championship tournament with their win on Tuesday coupled with the King College loss.  Erskine will need some help to gain home-court advantage throughout the tournament as Queens University currently only has one conference loss in the Eastern Division.

Erskine hosts King College tomorrow as part of the Homecoming festivities.  Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.  Admission is free to all Erskine home volleyball events.