MACON, Ga. – In their second game of the Mercer University Bear Brawl, the Evansville volleyball team defeated the Mercer Bears 3-0.  The Aces dominated the sweep with scores of 30-18, 30-26 and 30-20.   

In game one, the Aces came in playing some great volleyball.  UE jumped ahead from the beginning and took the win 30-18.  Evansville topped the Bears in kills 20 to 14, and finished the game with an overall .543 team hitting percentage.

The second game was an even battle to start, as UE found a 14-13 lead half way through.  The Aces created a bigger gap during the next stretch going on a 10-4 run to take a lead at 24-17 after a kill be senior Danielle Diehl.  The lead was enough as UE pushed to the win in game two, 30-26. 

Evansville came out of the break stronger than ever to jump ahead 16-8 after a kill by junior Kerry Sylvester, a service ace from Emily Whitney and two errors by Mercer.  The lead UE built was too much for the Bears to overcome.  The Aces took the sweep winning game three, 30-20.

Sylvester led the team with 13 kills while attempting 21 attacks.  She committed no errors to finish with an outstanding .619 hitting percentage.  Senior Anne Teegardin finished the match hitting for a .312 percentage while knocking down eight kills.  Senior Megan Spurlock also chipped in ten kills and hit for .333 percentage.  Senior Julie Walroth and Junior Emily Whitney each led with 13 digs followed close behind by Spurlock with 12.

"Tonight was our best offensive performance," head coach Mike Swan said.  "It was our best overall performance to date.  Our serving was good, passing was great, offense was on track and our blocking was pretty solid.  I think everyone was happy with how we played and the win."

A win on Saturday will give the Aces their second tournament championship of the year.  UE will be in action in the morning to take on Jackson State at 9:00 AM.  This will be Evansville's final match in the Mercer University Bear Brawl.