DUKES CLIP GWU COLONIALS IN VOLLEYBALL OPENER

Friday, August 26

Harrisonburg, Va.

James Madison University

George Washington

8/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball

HARRISONBURG, Va., August 26, 2005 – James Madison opened up its 2005 women's volleyball season Friday night with a four-game-match victory against visiting George Washington University in Sinclair Gym of Godwin Hall. The Dukes won the match by game scores of 30-24, 30-18, 24-30 and 30-24.

Sixth-year head coach Disa Garner utilized the Dukes' depth, resulting in a balanced attack that put five players in double-figure points and generated career-high performances by a couple of squad members.

"We've got a pretty balanced attack and a lot of people to draw on," said Garner after the Dukes posted their third consecutive season-opening win and seventh in eighth seasons. "That's one of the luxuries of having a deep roster, you can counter fatigue by putting another one in with fresh legs."

JMU senior outside hitter Emilee Hussack (Chambersburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley), a second-team All-Colonial Athletic Association choice in 2004 who led the league with a 4.05 kills-per-game average, turned in an outstanding overall match, leading all players with 20 points and 24 digs.

"I was especially pleased with Emilee's play tonight. She had a great defensive effort, blocked a lot of balls, passed well and offensively was very steady," said Garner.

Hussack and junior teammate and right side Hanna Porterfield (Arlington, Va./Bishop O'Connell) shared match-high-kill honors with 17. Porterfield, who was one away from tying her career high for kills, helped the Dukes survive a shaking start in the first game by connecting for six kills in seven attempts. The Dukes overcame a 5-0 deficit and eventually took the lead at 19-18.

"Hanna had a tough spring of rehabbing and watching, so this was a good welcome back for her. She worked very hard and remained disciplined over the summer, and tonight she played great."

Sophomore middle blocker Allyson Halls (Columbus, Ohio/Olentangy) posted a career-high 15 kills, nearly twice her previous best of eight, and had a match-high six block assists. Senior Nora Quish (Winnetka, Ill./New Trier) also came away with a career-best 10 kills.

"Nora's normally a DS, but stepped in as an outside hitter to provide the offense that we needed. Allyson has a much better consistency to her game, her work ethic has made her ready to make more plays."

Junior Ashley Copenhaver (Hedgesville, W.Va./Hedgesville) also contributed 10 kills to the winning cause. Senior Krysta Cannon (Cedar Park, Texas/Westwood) ran the offense to the tune of 59 assists.

"I thought our kids did a great job of being p