September 27, 2007
Gophers Rally Past Shorewomen, 3-2
O'Brien Tallies 26 Kills and 12 Digs In Setback

CHESTERTOWN, MD -- Megan Smith had a double-double with team-highs of 22 kills and 18 digs to lead Goucher past Washington College, 3-2 (24-30, 30-27, 26-30, 30-24, 15-12) on Thursday evening at the Cain Athletic Center in non-conference volleyball action. The Gophers, who won the final two games after trailing 2-1, improve to 8-8 with the win, while the Shorewomen drop to 5-9 with the loss.

In the fifth and decisive game, Goucher broke a 3-3 tie by winning nine of the next 12 points to take a commanding 12-6 lead. Washington would rally however to cut it to 14-12, winning three straight points facing elimination before a Smith kill ended the match.

The Gophers also got a double-double from Kasey Quinn, who had 19 kills and 16 digs. Sarah Kendall tallied 15 digs in the victory, while Rachel Hirsen had 10 kills. Claire Sauvage-Mar had a team-best 39 assists, and was tops for all players with six service aces. Catie Ditmore chipped in with 21 assists in the tilt. Goucher had 12 blocks in the victory.

Washington senior outside hitter Katherine O'Brien (Severna Park, MD/Severna Park) had a double-double with a match-best 26 kills, along with 12 digs. Freshman Lauren Feeny (Upper Darby, PA/Villa Maria Academy) added 14 kills for the Shorewomen. Sophomore setter Caitlin Ward (Wantagh, NY/Holy Trinity) finished with a match-high 49 assists. Junior libero Arielle Brown (Merion, PA/Lower Merion) led all players with 27 digs, while junior libero Kay May (Stafford, VA/Colonial Forge) chipped in with 10 digs. Freshman middle hitter Maria Whitman (Galesville, MD/Southern) had a match-best three solo blocks.

The Shorewomen return to action on Saturday, September 29, as they host the Penny Fall Classic. Washington will play Villa Julie at 11:00 a.m. and Catholic at 3:00 p.m. Villa Julie and Catholic will square off at 1:00 p.m.

MATCH STATS