Career highs extinguish Flames

Evin Shoap / senior photographer Junior setter Krysta Cannon sets the ball during JMU's victory over Liberty University Tuesday.

With a recent a victory in the JMU/Days Inn Invitational, the Dukes looked to build momentum Tuesday night against the visiting Liberty University Flames (1-9). After faltering in the first game, the Dukes rallied to sweep the final three and extinguish Liberty’s upset attempt.

While Liberty has struggled so far this season, the Dukes (9-2) are in their most successful campaign since the 1999 championship season. On paper, the match looked to be a potential blowout, but the Dukes were prepared for a battle.

"They always play well against us," sophomore middle blocker Ashley Copenhaver said.

Liberty beat the Dukes last year.

"Their record is deceiving," junior outside hitter Emilee Hussack said. "We knew they were going to be hungry for a win tonight."

A voracious start in the first game helped the Flames mount an early 7-1 lead. Undaunted by the deficit, the Dukes regrouped and jostled for the lead in the rest of the game.

"Our confidence level has really improved since last year," sophomore right side Bayli Stillwell said.

"That boost in confidence really helped us come back after being down."

The Dukes had a chance to put the first game away leading 29-28, but succumbed 33-31.

"We came into that second game wanting to let them know they couldn’t push us around," Copenhaver said. "We wanted to kick butt."

Tying her game career high with 18 kills, Copenhaver helped the Dukes turn the match around.

"After three tournaments in a row, we were emotionally drained," Stillwell said. "But there was no way we were going to lose."

The Dukes used a marked improvement in defense at the net to counter the Flames’ attack. Stillwell pitched in a career high in blocks (eight) and kills (11) to help the Dukes endure the final three games (30-25, 30-21, 30-24.)

"We were not a good blocking team at all last year, so that has been a focus," Copenhaver said. "We’ve really improved lately."

Hussack said, "Since the preseason, blocking has been something we’ve worked hard on. We did a good job of making adjustments in that area tonight."

While improved blocking is encouraging for the Dukes, they realize that consistency of play will determine this season’s success. With Colonial Athletic Conference play beginning Sept. 25, the Dukes look to solidify their level of play.

"Consistency — both game-to-game and night-to-night — is where we need to improve," Hussack said.

"We came back well tonight, but it’s tough to dig out of that kind of hole in CAA play."

Copenhaver said, "We have to execute and keep momentum the whole game. If we can eliminate sporadic play, we can be at the top of the CAA."

The Dukes take on the University of Maryland-Baltimore County Friday before hosting the rival Rams of Virginia Commonwealth University Saturday.