Volleyball head coach Lindsey Devine knew that the individual effort her players put into pre-season workouts would pay dividends.
“This is a huge win for our program,” Devine said. Her squad put the hit on North Carolina State in the Charlotte Classic on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Two Bucs, Nani Emerson and Kaena Apana earned All-Tournament honors at the event.
“Nani Emerson is the pulse of the team. She will do whatever she can to put the ball in the hands of our hitters,” Devine said. Emerson recorded 50 assists in the match against the Wolfpack.
The senior setters hitting percentage is second best in the Atlantic Sun so far this year. “Last year we were excited to win this year we expect to win,” Emerson said.
Devine said, “Kaena Apana was everywhere, she is the key to ball control.” Apana, a junior-college transfer from Taft College, had 40 digs during the two-match tournament. She was surprised to be named to the tournament team.
“Being my first year here and the level of competition it was kind of a shocker,” Apana said.
Apana played outside hitter prior to coming to ETSU and said her new position is an adjustment. “Now I have to pass to get a kill,” she said.
Callie Kiselich and Jennifer Sartor were the beneficiaries of Emerson’s assists and Apana’s digs.
“Callie and Jen our middles are so important to our offence,” Devine said. Kiselich and Sartor combined for 29 kills in the match against North Carolina State.
ETSU’s volleyball team also fought for a victory over the Panthers of High Point University in North Carolina on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
Junior, Michelle Milan provided sound defense for the Bucs in the win. Senior Sarah Buhr was also consistent totaling seven kills and 11 digs to help punch the Panthers.
A tall task awaits the Bucs in their next tournament.
Former Southern Conference foe UNC, Greensboro will be in Asheville for a two-day tournament this Friday and Saturday. Cleveland State and host UNC, Asheville will round out the competition for the volleyball Bucs this weekend.

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