Shepard leads ESU to upset over Rockhurst
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The Emporia State volleyball team took down its second ranked opponent on Tuesday, defeating No. 23 Rockhurst 30-21, 30-27, 30-28 in Kansas City, Mo.
The Hornets knocked off then-No. 22 North Alabama in the West Florida Invitational on Sept. 8.
ESU (12-4) was led by Arica Shepard, who had 18 kills, 12 digs and two aces. Megan Koster added 13 kills and 10 digs, while Ting Liu had 49 assists.
Shepard’s 18 kills ties the MIAA season-high for a three-game match, while Liu’s 49 assists are the second-most in the conference for a three-game match.
ESU started off well, hitting .410 in its 30-21 Game One win. Shepard had eight of her 18 kills in the first game, while Koster and Brianne Boner contributed three kills apiece.
The Hornets trailed 15-7 in Game Two before rallying for the 30-27 win, then notched four service aces in Game Three to take a 30-28 victory.
Boner chipped in 12 kills and three blocks for ESU.
The Hornets will face another ranked opponent at 1 p.m. Saturday, taking on No. 12 Pittsburg State at White Auditorium.
Saturday at Kansas City, Mo.
Emporia State 30 30 30
Rockhurst 21 27 28
Records — ESU 12-4, Rockhurst 10-4.