September 18, 2001

FURMAN DISPENSES WITH DAVIDSON, 3-0

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman's Lady Paladin volleyball team did away with Davidson, the preseason pick to finish second in the conference, 3-0 Tuesday night at Timmons Arena.

After four lead changes, the Lady Paladins scored the last two points on Carrie Rowley (Lighthouse Point, Fla.) serves to top the Wildcats 30-21 in game one. Game two was another close one, with the teams tied at 18 after Davidson's Jacqueline Ortega (Miami, Fla.) put down one of her 15 kills on the night. Furman rebounded, however, to outscore the Wildcats 12-4 for the 30-22 win. In the third game, the Lady Paladins took the early lead on a Laura Hooks (Kingsport, Tenn.) service ace, then rolled to the 30-17 decision.

Abby Simon (Simpsonville, S.C.) topped the Furman effort with 18 kills and one error for a season-best .654 attack percentage. In addition, sophomore Amber Montague (Plano, Texas) picked up a double-double with 13 kills and 11 digs on the night. Hooks led the Lady Paladins in assists, with 45, while Laura Bush (Kingsport, Tenn.) and Rosey Cashman (Faribault, Minn.) each served up three aces.

"I was worried about the big break we have had (10 days due to WTC bombings)," said Furman coach Michelle Young, "so I was glad to see us come out and play pretty well. We weren't quite fine tuned, but I think that is to be expected. Amber Montague just had a great night and Abby (Simon) keeps on posting great numbers match after match."

The Wildcats were paced on the night by Ortega's 15 kills and nine digs. Davidson outblocked the Lady Paladins 7.0 to 1.0.

With the win, Furman improves to 5-1 on the year and 1-0 in the Southern Conference, while the Wildcats fall to 3-5 overall and 0-1 in the league. The Lady Paladins will host two Southern Conference matches this weekend; East Tennessee State Friday night at 7 p.m. and Appalachian State Saturday at 2 p.m.