VOLLEYBALL TAMES TIGERS IN SWEEPING FASHION

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FAIRFAX, Va. – Radford volleyball concluded the Patriot Invitational with its second sweep of the season (25-19, 25-15, 25-15), dispatching Princeton in straight sets Saturday evening inside the RAC.

"When our pass and serve game is on, we are tough to stop and that is what happened tonight," head coach Marci Jenkins said. "We did everything well! It was a great match to be a part of."

Leading the way was Big South Freshman of the Week Jordan Watson, who discharged a match-high 15 kills for the Highlanders (5-2). For her efforts throughout the weekend, she was named to the all-tournament team. Joining her on the team was Cheyanne James, who ripped seven kills, had nine digs and assisted on five blocks.

Rachel Wiechecki flirted with a triple-double, putting down nine kills, digging the ball a team-best 14 times and crushing six aces. Her six aces are tied for the second-most recorded during a match in program history.

In addition, Wiechecki moved past former teammate Carly Fleming for seventh all-time in career kills with 601. Radford outhit the Tigers (2-1), .299-.154, and held the edge in digs (57-42). Jena Braden (20) and Rachel Flores (12) combined for 32 assists, while Kelby Jackson was credited with 12 digs.

"Congrats to Cheyanne and Jordan for making the all-tournament team," Jenkins expressed. "However, they couldn't have done it without their teammates. Hats off to everyone. It was a solid tournament for us."

Tiana Woolridge and Kendall Peterkin each notched seven kills, with Peterkin finishing with a team-high 14 digs. Ginny Willis assisted on a match-high 21 attacks.

Fueled by four aces from Wiechecki, Radford built a 9-1 advantage out of the gates. After trailing by as many as 10, the Tigers pulled within 21-18, prompting a Highlander timeout. Out of the break, Watson blasted a kill that ignited a 4-1 set-clinching rally. The Pilot, Va. native hit a sizzling .857 with six kills on seven attempts.

Already ahead 9-8 in the second stanza, Radford used a 9-2 surge to jump ahead, 18-10. Princeton was unable to get any closer than six the rest of the way as the Highlanders earned a 2-0 edge at intermission. Watson (six) and Wiechecki (five) combined for 11 of RU's 19 kills in the frame.

Despite falling behind 8-4 in the beginning stages of the third set, the Tigers roared back by claiming the next five points for a 9-8 edge. In front 14-13, Radford extended their advantage behind a 6-1 streak to 20-14. After Princeton won the next point, the Highlanders swept the final five points to earn the sweep. James hit .800 in the frame, knocking down four kills on five attempts.

Following a 2-1 trip to northern Virginia, Radford returns to the Dedmon Center for a Tuesday tilt with in-state rival James Madison. First serve is slated for 6 p.m.

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