November 22, 2002

Furman Volleyball Defeats Western Carolina In Five Game Thriller, Advances To Semifinals

Davidson, N.C. ­ Abby Simon (Simpsonville, S.C.) tied a career-high with 23 kills, while recording 17 digs and seven blocks to lead the Furman Lady Paladins to a 30-24, 32-30, 21-30, 18-30, 15-10 victory over Western Carolina in the opening round of the Southern Conference Volleyball Tournament Friday morning at Davidson's Belk Arena.

After Furman won the first two games, Western Carolina charged back to dominate games three and four. The Lady Paladins, with four kills a piece from Amber Monatgue (Plano, Texas) and Carrie Rowley (Lighthouse Point, Fla.), held off the Catamounts in game five to claim the first round win.

Furman got 12 kills and 24 digs from Rowley, while fellow senior Laura Bush (Kingsport, Tenn.) added 11 kills and 14 digs. Montague, a jumior, and Michelle Cauldwell (Satellite Beach, Fla.) chipped in with 16 kills and 65 assists, respectively.

Western Carolina was led by Eleanor Talbot's 15 kills and 26 digs. Tricia Eble added 21 kills for the Catamounts.

The victory improves Furman to 21-13 on the season, while the Catamounts finish the year at 22-12.

With the win, Furman advances to the semifinals to face the winner of this afternoon's match between top-seeded Georgia Southern and #8Chattanooga. The semifinal match is scheduled for 4:30p.m. Saturday at Belk Arena in Davidson, N.C.

Furman def. Western Carolina 30-24, 32-30, 21-30, 18-30, 15-10