Senior middle Ginny Bray and the College (2-2, 0-0 CAA) were all business Friday night at Kaplan Arena opening up their Colonial Challenge schedule by downing a still-winless Campbell University (0-5) squad 3-1.
“The key to our success tonight was energy and the ability to finish games,” Bray said.
The Tribe opened up an early lead in the first set, helped thanks to a couple of diving digs and aggressive kills. The College pushed to a set-point, 24-20, by countering multiple Campbell dips over the College’s front line, but the Tribe would surrender the next four points, tying the set at 24-24.
Senior outside hitter Erin Skipper, who finished the night with 10 kills, helped the Tribe put away the surging Camels by firing an ace to take the first set, 27-25.
“We had that determination to say we’re not losing this game. And I think that has a lot to do with the team we have this year; everyone is together and with that philosophy.” Bray said.
The Tribe dropped a tight second set 25-19, featuring seven lead changes and five ties. Despite the setback, Bray recorded 5 of her 10 kills, on top of a .455 attacking percentage for the night.
“When my teammates are working so hard to get the ball up for me, I want to be the one to put it down. I want to make sure their hard work is paying off,” Bray said.
In the third set, the College held a one-point advantage, 17-16, when sophomore setter Molly Krull dove left extended her hand in attempt to dig a Camel attack. Krull winced slightly in pain, appearing to have injured her finger in her attempt. Despite the concern from the Tribe bench the Krull might be injured, the sophomore, who finished with a match-high 25 assists, went on to bury the next point by sneaking a second-touch set in between the middle of the Campbell defense.
The Tribe would go on to win the next two sets and take the match.
“When we passed well, we were able to run our offense and [Campbell] couldn’t stop us,” Head Coach Melissa Shelton ’91 said. “As long as were disciplined in our approach and really pay attention to details were going to be able to compete. And if you compete, you can win anytime.”
