East Tennessee State women’s volleyball defeated UNC Greensboro Friday night in Brooks Gym.
The Buccaneers came together to pull off a three-game win – 30-26, 30-16 and 30-18 – over the Spartans.
This was a significant night for the Lady Bucs because with this win and a win over Elon, they will make it to the Southern Conference tournament in Chattanooga, next week.
It was also an important night because senior Lissa Allen set a school record with a .727 attack percentage and senior Kate Steidle surpassed the 900 kills mark for her career.
“Kate and Lissa put a show on and continued to lead the team offensively,” Coach Lindsey Devine said.
“We were mentally focused and by preparing individually, we came together as a team more prepared,” Steidle said.
Allen led the Buccaneer offense with 16 kills and no errors on 22 attacks. The ETSU offense tallied a season high .403 attack percentage opposed to just .092 by the Spartans. Setter, freshman Kristi Robinson, did her part by contributing 50 assists.
Allen said, “Kristi and I connected a lot today.” This was what contributed to the success of the entire team.
ETSU’s defense got a career-high seven blocks from freshman Jen Sarter on the defensive side of the net.
Also, freshman Natalie Pittenger led the team with 12 digs, followed by 10 digs from Steidle.
“Natalie played exceptional defense,” Devine said. “All our girls came out and blocked well.”
“It was a great game. We came out to play and really needed this win,” Steidle said.
On the UNC Greensboro side, LaJean Morrow shined with 12 kills and Abbi Meyer almost acquired a double-double by registering 10 digs and nine kills. Lori Brooks and Lauren Richards each totaled three blocks, while Stephanie Elbe registered 30 assists. This was just not enough though for the Spartans who struggled both defensively and offensively.
“We are one step closer to where we want to be,” Devine said.

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