Before a packed house, in a match against local rival and 2009 NCAA Qualifier Cabrini College, the Eagles delivered an efficient three set win. The decision came with many stunning moments, not the least of which was junior Courtney Reinhold's 1000th kill. She became the 8th person in Eastern's 20-year history to accomplish this feat. In attaining the milestone in the first game of her junior year, Reinhold became the second fastest Eastern player to reach 1000. Former teammate, Kara Hildebrand, reached the mark in just five fewer games.
“Courtney knew she was 12 kills shy of 1000 and was on a mission from the first whistle. She really put on an offensive show tonight. She used the hype of the crowd to achieve a tremendous milestone,” said Head Coach Mark Birtwistle.
Reinhold's kill was one of her 15 of the match. She was closely followed by sophomore Rachel Wenger with 11 and freshman Kearby Benak with 10. Maria Horning orchestrated the team to an outstanding .368 hitting percentage, with four players hitting above a .300.
“Because our passing was so on target, we were able to run a lot of options and hitting combinations,” said Horning.
Reinhold was not the only one on a mission this evening. From serves to kills to sets, Eastern was dynamic immediately, earning the first 6 points of the match. Even when the Cavaliers were able to dig the ball, the Eastern hitters were relentless in their power and placement. Horning made sound decisions with the ball, finding holes for her teammates up against a solid Cabrini defense.
“I don't think we could have asked for a better opening night match. The focus and mentality of our team was right where it needed to be and after this first match, I think we are on pace to be a nationally competitive team,” said Horning.
Birtwistle echoed Horning's sentiments about starting the year off on the right foot: “I was really proud of our girls' effort tonight as they set the tone right from the start. Even though our offense was very good, it stems from our back line; they took great pride in doing their job.”
The Eagles return to action this weekend at Haverford College with gametimes set at 11:00 and 12:30 on Saturday and 10:00 and 1:00 on Sunday.
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