Sept. 14, 2006

CHESTERTOWN, MD -- Outside hitter Margot Phelan recorded 18 kills, four service aces, and four digs to lead the Franklin & Marshall volleyball team to a 3-0 (30-24, 30-28, 30-14) victory over Washington College in the Diplomats' Centennial Conference (CC) season opener.

In the first game of the night, the Diplomats (3-0, 1-0 CC) struggled to take control, as the Shorewomen sculled ahead 2-5 in the opening minutes. Swapping possession until F&M finally tied the game at 10-10, hitters Nicole Kushman and Erica Spangler led the team on 3-0 and 5-0 service runs, respectively, to eventually push the Diplomats out to a 20-14 lead. With big hits by Phelan and outside hitter Maritza Fair, F&M finished off a 30-24 win to go up 1-0 in the match.

In the second game, F&M allowed Washington to take a 12-5 lead before head coach Mary Kate Boland called for a timeout. Upon return from the break, setter Holly Cordisco led F&M on a 3-0 service run before Phelan's offensive strike closed the gap to 15-16. Washington called its first of two consecutive timeouts, managing to eventually fight its way back to a 24-24 tie. It was not enough, however, as F&M sneaked ahead 30-28 to go up 2-0 in the match.

The final game was all F&M, as they took a quick 12-2 lead and never looked back. Service runs by Spangler, Phelan, and Kushman spurred the effort, as Fair finished the game and match with two decisive kills.

Middle hitter Susan Taylor added to F&M's offensive effort, as she totaled 11 kills, one block, and three block assists. Kushman racked 11 digs, one service age, and one kill, while Cordiso handled an impressive 25 assists, two kills, and two block assists.

Historically, the win increases the Diplomats' record versus Washington (1-6, 0-1 CC) to 15-2.

Franklin & Marshall continues its regular season play at the Lebanon Valley Invitation September 15-16. The Diplomats are scheduled to face-off two CC opponents, Haverford College and Ursinus College, in addition to the Flying Dutchwomen of LVC.