Junior Audie Gonzalez recorded a double-double and led all attackers as the High Point University volleyball team downed Campbell, 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-19) on Tuesday night in the Millis Athletic Center.
"Really pleased to have a win for our home opener," said head coach Chad Esposito. "We have created a tremendous atmosphere and we had a great crowd to go with it. For the most part we played really well, but we definitely still have some things we need to work on. Defensively we continue to do some great things, even in our serve receive. We just need to learn to take better swings when given the opportunities."
Gonzalez had 17 kills and 12 digs to lead HPU (2-2) in the match. Kristina Taylor notched 28 assists while Julie Herskowitz had 18 digs. Lauren Hatch added 10 digs on the defensive side for High Point.
For the Camels (0-4) Katie Stallings and Caitlin Bendy had seven kills each. Hope Leatigaga had 16 assists and nine digs.
In the first frame the Panthers took control early, leading the entire set. HPU took its largest lead of the set at 22-14 off a block assist from Taylor and Anna Lott. The Camels were unable to overcome the difference as High Point took a 1-0 set advantage in the match.
High Point took a quick 10-3 lead in the second set, fueled by the serving of Tara Dyer and Hershkowitz. The pair combined for 10 of the first 13 serves of the set. Campbell closed the gap to 10-7, but that is as close as the Camels would come as HPU cruised to a 2-0 lead.
Campbell came out strong in the third set and took a quick 5-1 lead, but High Point responded to outscore the Camels, 6-2 to knot the game at seven. The Camels held on to the lead until 15-14 when the Panthers took the lead for good.
"Audie had an unbelieveable match," Esposito said. "A lot of the power she has been able to play with is directly contributed to our strength and conditioning program. Our whole team has really benefited from working with Coach Jennings and tonight it was evident."
High Point will be back in action Sept. 5-6 when the team hosts the High Point University Classic. The first match will begin at 10:30 when S.C. State takes on East Carolina. High Point will play at 7:00 p.m. on the first day against East Carolina.
