Marietta volleyball tops Waynesburg 3-0
Pioneers improve to 4-1 with straight-game victory

Sept. 5, 2006
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College volleyball team took care of business in a timely fashion Tuesday (Sept. 5) evening at Ban Johnson Arena, defeating visiting Waynesburg (Pa.) 3-0 (30-20, 30-19, 30-21).

The Pioneers, who improved to 4-1, needed just 70 minutes to finish off the Yellow Jackets (0-5).

Marietta's offense pounded out 43 kills, hit a season-high .276 and added eight service aces in the victory. Senior middle blocker Ellen Doolittle (Louisville, Ky./DuPont Manual), fresh off her MVP performance at the River City Tournament, led the way with 14 kills and three services aces. Doolittle was also announced as the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Player of the Week just prior to the match.

Senior outside hitter Jaymi Stephens (Hilliard/Hilliard Davidson) had 10 kills and sophomore setter Caity Shirk (Middleburg Heights/Midpark) added 38 assists in the victory.

The Pioneers' defense was just as productive Tuesday evening. Marietta compiled 43 digs, 14 of which came from junior libero Casey Davis (Amanda/Clearcreek). The Pioneers also treated the energetic crowd to 13 total blocks. Stephens and Doolittle paced the squad by getting a hand in seven blocks each.

Marietta will now prepare for its first road challenge of the year. The Pioneers struggled away from home last year and will get an opportunity to get out on the right foot Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 9-10), when they participate in the Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) Invitational. Marietta opens with a match against Susquehanna (Pa.) at 2 p.m. Saturday.