FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – In front of a sea of pink t-shirts, ribbons and socks, the University of Montevallo volleyball team swept visiting Stillman College 3-0 in a “Dig Pink” match Oct. 17 at BankTrust Arena to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama.

Montevallo defeated the Tigers 25-7, 25-11, 25-16. Team members sold black t-shirts with inspirational messages written in pink before, during and after the match, with proceeds being donated to the BCRFA, which is headquartered in Birmingham.

“The volleyball team really enjoyed the great support we had from everyone this week in our quest to raise money for breast cancer research,” said Montevallo coach Katie O’Brien. “It is really great to look out at the crowd and see everyone in pink.”

Junior Michelle Carle led the Falcons (10-12) with 10 kills in the victory. Carle also posted a team-high four blocks in the win.

Freshman Rebekah Phelps added nine kills. Sophomore Michelle Walker chipped in eight kills. Freshman Anna Quinn posted five kills, junior Katie Best registered four kills and junior Manyi Ati finished with three kills in the victory.

Junior Kaleigh Harvey led the Falcons with 15 digs. Senior Betsy Stevenson finished with a team-high 20 assists, while freshman Briana Marquez contributed 19 assists.

The Falcons opened the first set with six consecutive points with freshman Jessica Falletta serving. Walker led Montevallo with six kills in the Falcons’ 25-7 win in the opening set.

Carle posted back-to-back kills to close out a 25-11 win in the second set. Stillman kept the margin closer in the third and final set before a pair of kills from Carle and Best helped Montevallo clinch the match with a 25-16 win in the set.

Team members also honored University of Montevallo faculty and staff members who have had the biggest impact on their collegiate careers before the match as part of Faculty and Staff Recognition Night.

“It made the day even grander!” O’Brien said.

The Falcons return to action Oct. 23 with a road match at Augusta State University at 5 p.m.