Aug. 28, 2009
Final Stats
GALLERY
Sacramento State reeled off seven straight points behind the service of Melissa Melcher to turn a 10-6 deficit into a 13-10 lead in the decisive fifth set en route to a 3-2 win over Siena late Friday afternoon in the Syracuse Big Orange Tournament. Burgandy McCurty led all players with 24 kills for the Saints.
It was the first match of the season for both schools.
The Hornets won the first set 28-18, but Siena rallied to take control of the match with 25-19 and 25-22 victories in the sets two and three. Sacramento State forced the fifth set with a convincing 25-12 triumph in the fourth set, before taking the final set 15-12.
The Saints appeared to have comfortable control of the fifth after a McCurty kill and an attack error pushed their advantage to 10-6 in the race to 15. But after a sideout, Melcher - the Hornets' senior setter - came through with several strong services, including three key aces.
McCurty added 18 digs to go along with her match-high 24 kills. Red-shirt sophomore Aubrey Bobo had a solid return to the rotation, posting 14 kills and 17 digs in a losing effort. Senior co-captain Kau'i Robello led all players with 22 digs and freshman Sarah Sivertson had seven kills and 13 digs.
Freshman setter Elizabeth Ives was solid in her collegiate debut, registering 43 assists and nine digs.
Janelle Curry led a balanced Sacramento State attack with 18 kills.
Both teams will complete play in the two-day Tournament Saturday with matches against host Syracuse and New Hampshire.
