Aug. 25, 2007

Cincinnati - Maryland's volleyball team received a tough test from Southern Miss, but the Terps showed grit, coming from behind in every game to sweep the Eagles (30-28, 31-29, 30-26) in their second game of the 2007 State Farm Bearcats Invtational Presented by The Vernon Manor Hotel on Saturday morning.

The two teams alternated points for most of the first game before the Eagles (0-2) grabbed a 23-19 lead. The Terps (2-0) responded, however, earning seven straight points, mostly on senior Jade Brown's serve. Southern Miss led by as many as four in the second game, but, once again, the Terps had an answer and toughed out a 31-29 win. The Terps fell behind 16-9 in the third game but fought for 10 of the next 12 points and eventually finished off the four-point victory.

The Terps hit .173 as a team, with sophomore Katie Usher leading the way at .360. Usher led the Terps in kills with 12 and notched six blocks defensively. Senior Beth Gillming finished with 11 kills and 12 digs. Junior Maggie Schmelzle led the Terps with 19 digs, while freshman Rachel Profit followed closely behind with 18. Junior Tedi Doucet recorded 31 assists and Hayley Hanson added 12 more off the bench. Junior Mary Beth Brown had three service aces, eight kills and seven digs.

The Eagles hit .116 as a team. Morgan Johnson finished with 11 kills while Mari Rudick and Ashley Petrinec both had 10.

The Terps are back in action Saturday night at 7:30 against the host Cincinnati Bearcats.