Emory Postgame Press Conference

The Emory University Volleyball program opened postsseason play on a successful note Thursday evening, defeating Worcester State University, 3-0, in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament held at the Woodruff PE Center in Atlanta.

The Eagles used a well-balanced attack to down the Lancers in straight sets, 25-12, 25-13, 25-14. Emory now faces Christopher Newport University in the second round on Friday in a match slated to begin at 7:00 PM. CNU needed five sets but knocked out Thomas More College 16-25, 25-22, 25-23, 16-25, 15-11 in its first round match earlier on Thursday.

Junior Karissa Dzurik paced the Eagles attack with 12 kills, one of five players with at least seven terminations. Sophomore Sara Carr added 10 of her own as she registered a double-double with 10 digs. Classmate Savannah Bush checked with nine kills and freshman Leah Saunders had eight. Junior Mady Arles had a game-high 21 assists with senior Hannah Billings dishing out 19 while sophomore Elyse Thompson posted 17 digs to top both teams.

Emory set the tone in the opening set, hitting at a blistering .536-percent. The Eagles finished the match with a .356 hitting percentage and held the Lancers attack to .010 with a 12-for-96 attack.

Amari King led Worcester State with four kills and eight digs and Allie Nolan recorded seven assists.