Tribe Heads To James Madison and George Mason This Weekend

W&M Swept Both In-State Foes Last Season

09/20/06 11:00AM

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The William and Mary volleyball team will take to the road this weekend for a pair of in-state conference matches against James Madison and George Mason. The Tribe (4-7, 1-3) will square off against the Dukes (7-5, 2-2) on Friday at 7 p.m. before facing the Patriots (4-6, 1-3) on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Despite coming up short in both its contests last weekend, the College got a number of outstanding performances individually. Senior Kathleen Hawley earned the program’s career digs record in the third game against Hofstra, passing Jennifer Torns mark of 1,312. One of the top defensive players in W&M history, she already held the single-season and single-match standards, which she established last season. Also coming up big against Hofstra was freshman Lauren Powell, who registered a match-high 17 kills, while sophomore Abbi Owens earned a double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs.

Versus Northeastern, Owens played extremely well once again, earning a career-high 25 kills and 23 digs. Sophomore setter Kim Mount equaled a career high with 66 assists, while Hawley matched her season high with 33 digs. Powell also recorded 17 put-aways.

On the season, a number of W&M players rank among the conference’s best. Freshman Bryana Carey is second in the league in aces (0.62), Mount ranks second in assists (12.17), Hawley ranks third in digs (4.68) and freshman Lindsey Pflugner is seventh in kills (3.66).

Winners of three straight, JMU enters this weekend’s action with a 7-5 record overall and a 2-2 mark in conference play. The Dukes are led by Allyson Halls, who is averaging 3.50 kills per game, and Jena Pierson, who is averaging 6.33 digs per game. Last season, the Green and Gold swept JMU, winning 3-0 in Williamsburg and 3-1 on the road.

George Mason comes in having lost four of its last five matches, posting a 4-6 record overall and a 1-3 ledger in CAA action. The Patriots are paced by Rebecca Walker and Jaqueline Kohler, who are averaging 3.89 and 3.81 kills per game, respectively. Last season, W&M defeated GMU twice, winning 3-1 in both contests.