Kerry Fox (left) and Colleen Cavanagh set up a block during John Carroll's win over Ursuline
Box Score
Although a first game setback had the John Carroll University volleyball team playing catch-up all night, the Blue Streaks rallied to defeat Ursuline College in four games (22-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-22) Thursday evening in a non-league match in University Heights.
Things did not start off on the right foot for John Carroll. The Blue Streaks fell behind early and never were able to grab the lead back in falling by three points.
However, JCU did not back down and came back strong in the second game, putting down 17 kills compared to the Arrows' seven. Sophomore Meredith McDiarmid led the way, earning 11 of her 43 assists during the second game.
The third game would go much like the first, with the Blue Streaks being the dominant team throughout and coming away with the 25-20 win. Watch video of how JCU would take a lead it would not relinquish at the start of game three by clicking here.
Ursuline was not about to give up, however, as the Blue Streaks quickly found themselves down 5-1 in the fourth game.
With several players finding their groove, most notably Kerry Fox and MaryEileen Dalton, the Blue Streaks turned the game around and tied up the score at 14-14. From there, it would continue to be a back-and-forth battle until an out-of-bounds kill attempt by Ursuline would provide the 25th and final point for John Carroll to seal the victory for the home team.
JCU was led by McDiarmid, who finished the night with 43 assists, and junior Celia Mastroine who had 20 digs. Freshman Kristen Kidd, junior Laura Isbell and Dalton combined to produce 34 kills, while Dalton also had a team-high three blocks.
Freshman Gina Imbrigiotta and senior Emily Jackson both had two service aces a piece.
Ursuline, who played much of the match without one of its key players, Meghann Hess, was led by Lauren Ferguson with 34 assists, while teammate Jamie Fox aided the Arrows' cause with 17 digs. Four Ursuline players had two service aces a piece.
With the win, JCU improved its overall record to 14-7. This marks the highest single season win total the volleyball program has experienced since 2004, when the team finished with exactly 14 wins.
