Volleyball Finishes Anderson (S.C.) Invitational With Two Wins

ANDERSON, S.C. - The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad wrapped up action in the Anderson (S.C.) Invitational on Saturday with a pair of wins, knocking off West Alabama, 3-2, and North Greenville, 3-0, finishing the weekend action with a perfect 4-0 start to the 2009 season.

The Pirates outlasted the UWA Tigers in its fist match on Saturday, winning 21-25, 25-18, 22-25, 25-8, 18-16 - their third straight win in five-set matches, dating back to last season. Senior outside hitter Amy Birkemeier collected a game-high 13 kills to lead the Pirates, while freshman middle hitter Kathrin Standhardinger notched 12 kills. Casey Howett led defensively with 18 digs, while sophomore Leia Pittman added eight blocks and senior Michele Remlinger had seven.

AASU then wrapped up Saturday's action with a three-set win over North Greenville, 25-18, 25-20, 25-16. Birkemeier again led the way with 15 kills, while Kathrin Standhardinger hit .571 with eight kills and no errors in 14 attacks. Casey Howett added 13 digs and sophomore Torrie Bevolo chipped in 12 digs.

The Pirates will be in tournament action again next week as they travel to Aiken, S.C., for the USC Aiken Pacer Invitational on Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5.