Trojans Split to Open Season

Taylor vs. Shawnee State | Taylor vs. Rio Grande

MONTREAT, N.C. – The Taylor volleyball team collected a trio of victories, including a four-set triumph over 17th-ranked Jamestown during the Trojans' opening weekend at Montreat College.

Taylor opened the weekend with a disappointing loss to Shawnee State (26-24, 25-20, 25-25) but bounced back with a sweep of Rio Grande (25-12, 25-18, 25-18) followed by a pair of four-set victories over Talladega (25-11, 23-25, 25-10, 25-12) and No. 17 Jamestown (25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22).

Senior Becca Gerig paced the Taylor attack during over the weekend with 45 kills (3.2 kills per set) to go along with 26 digs. Sophomore Callie Drage added 30 kills while senior Rachel Bouma and junior Addy Bailey both collected 29 kills over the four matches.

Junior Haley Harrell dished out 71 assists while freshman Brooke Syswerda added 57 assists to go along with seven service aces.

Defensively the Trojans were led by junior transfer Jamie Scherb with 44 digs while senior Laura Craig added 29 digs. Bailey added ten total blocks while Bouma finished with nine and sophomore Julia Pomerenke added eight.

After struggling to a .058 attack percentage in the loss to Shawnee State the Trojan offense found its rhythm with a .325 attack percentage in the sweep of Rio Grande followed by a .330 attack percentage in the victory over Talladega. The Trojans hit .175 in the win over No. 17 Jamestown, Taylor's first victory over a ranked opponent since a win over No. 3 Wayland Baptist in 2014.

Taylor will open Crossroads League play at Grace on Wednesday night with first serve slated for 7:00 pm. The Trojans will also be in action again this weekend with four matches over Friday and Saturday at the Indiana Wesleyan Tournament.