Eagles Take Down Seahawks in CAC First Round

When Coach Dee Conway and her UMW Eagles hit the road bound for Salisbury on Thursday, they'll be far more chipper than most folks braving the DMV commute. Conway's Eagles defeated St. Mary's College in four sets to advance to the semifinals where they will face the Sea Gulls.

In the first ever playoff contest held in the Anderson Center, UMW (17-15, 5-3 CAC) won the first two sets easily, both by the score of 25-21. St. Mary's recovered to win a heated third set 25-21, but the Eagles closed out the fourth and final set 25-14 to seal the victory.

"We passed the ball well, and we also switched our lineup around," said Coach Conway after the match. "We were playing a 5-1, and now we're running a 6-2."

The difference, explained Conway, is an increased blocking presence on the front line. That presence was evident as Hitters Ellen Smethurst and Karissa Herrick came away with three blocks apiece.

Conway also credited her Libero, senior Christine Tran with an outstanding evening holding down the back end.

"She played exceptionally well, and got to some balls she usually would not touch," said Conway of Tran, who finished with 17 digs. "She made a big difference tonight."

Thursday's semifinal match with Salisbury will be played at 7:00 p.m.