Emory Volleyball Fends Off Chicago -- Advances To UAA Championship Match

Stats 

The Emory volleyball team advanced to the title match of the University Athletic Association Championships this afternoon following a dramatic and improbable five-game win over host Chicago.  The Eagles topped the Maroons by a 3-2 margin (21-25, 25-15, 12-25, 27-25, 15-13), raising their overall record to 33-5.

Emory not only had to contend with the upset-minded Chicago squad but an intestinal virus that hit a number of players late Friday evening and into Saturday morning.  The virus sidelined starters Alysee Meyer, Jessica McAlvany and Brannan O'Neill along with reserves Emily Reiser and Carolyn Olsen.  The five will miss the championship match later this afternoon.

Facing a 2-1 deficit in the match, Emory had to rally from a 23-18 obstacle in the fourth game to knot the contest.  In the decisive fifth set, the Eagles fell behind by a 13-8 margin before closing out the match with seven straight points.

Junior Amelia McCall paced the team with 15 kills while freshman Breanah Bourque totaled 10 terminations.  Senior Vista Murphy came through with 20 digs and sophomore setter Natalie Schonefeld finished the affair with 48 assists and eight digs.

Emory will meet the winner of the Washington University - New York University contest in the championship match.  That match is slated for a 5:00 p.m. start (EST) and will be webcast.  To view the webcast, go to

http://athletics.uchicago.edu/volleyball/vb-uaachampionship-2009.htm