Brunswick, Ga. – The College of Coastal Georgia women's volleyball team had no trouble against Allen University Thursday night, winning a quick three-set match for its first-ever victory at Howard Coffin Gym. The Mariners won by scores of 25-14, 25-8 and 25-9 over the undermanned Yellow Jackets from Columbia, S.C.
The match was just the second home match for the Mariners (4-2), who dropped their home opener on Saturday to Southeastern University. Thursday's contest was also a rematch against Allen, a team the Mariners defeated in three sets just a week ago in Columbia. Like the Mariners, the Yellow Jackets are in their first season of competition.
"Everyone got to play and everyone contributed, which was great," said Coastal Georgia coach Jeff Huebner. "We got the opportunity to work on some things which was good. We also focused for all 25 points for three consecutive sets, and that's time first time we have done that all year."
The Mariners took charge from the opening serve, jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead in the first game. Allen then scored the next five points to pull within 7-5. However, the Mariners quickly distanced themselves from the visitors and cruised to the opening-set win. The second and third sets were totally dominated by the Mariners, who set a new team match record for aces with 30. In the previous match with Allen, the Mariners set their old record mark of 26.
Maggie Bee served 13 aces, which is also a new team match record. Bee served for 28 total points in the three sets. Al Aplington followed with five aces, Holly Hammer and Kansas Robinson notched three each. Robinson also led the Mariners with eight digs.
"As our libero, Kansas was consistent," Huebner said. "She made some great plays after second contact and also made some great hustle plays. She was also a rock mentally."
Coastal Georgia finished with 32 total kills in the match. Amanda Kline led the team with seven while Hammer and Aplington recorded six each. Bee assisted on 20 of the kills while Aplington set up nine of the spikes for Coastal Georgia points.
The Mariners will return to action on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. home match against Voorhees College. It will be High School Night, meaning all area high school volleyball players wearing their team jerseys will be admitted free to the match.
