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Sept. 9, 2001

Stats

AUBURN, Ala. - The Charlotte 49ers volleyball team struck gold at the War Eagle Invitational on Sunday, fighting their way to a 3-1 win over Auburn in the championship match. For their efforts, the 49ers placed three members on the all-tournament squad.

Kathleen Ramos led the way for Charlotte (5-2) with a career-high 31 kills. She also finished with 17 digs. She was joined on the all-tourney squad by Courtney Burg and Ashley Ferris. Burg finished Sunday's match with 17 kills, while Ferris tallied seven kills and three blocks. Auburn (1-7) was led by Kathia McKenzie with a team-best 17 kills and 14 digs.

In the first game, the teams traded points and the lead most of the way. The 49ers finally took control, 21-19, on a Megan Mosness service ace, which they promptly turned into a 28-20 lead. The Tigers rallied to 28-24, but came up short and lost 30-24.

Charlotte didn't waste any time in the second game as they jumped out to a 7-3 lead on a Ramos kill. Auburn cut their deficit to two, 15-13, but the Niners answered with a 4-1 run capped by a Chanda Waller ace. A Tigers attack error put Charlotte in front, 27-21, and they went on to win 30-23.

Auburn put the 49ers' celebration on hold in the third game, pulling out a 36-34 win. Charlotte was in front most of the game until following a Tigers timeout, Auburn took a 29-28 lead on a McKenzie kill. The teams took turns trying to build a two-point margin until the Tigers forced a fourth game on a Charlotte attack error.

Charlotte clinched the match in game four, fighting to a 30-27 victory. After falling behind 5-1, Charlotte battled back to tie the game and take the lead, 11-10, on a Ramos kill. She came through again for the Niners down the stretch as well, knocking down kills for the 28th, 29th and 30th points.

Charlotte returns to action Tuesday, Sept. 11 when they continue their road swing with a match at Winthrop. The first game is set to begin at 7:00.

All-Tournament Team
Kathleen Ramos, Charlotte
Courtney Burg, Charlotte
Ashley Ferris, Charlotte
Nicole Sandifer, Auburn
Kathia McKenzie, Auburn
Radka Dimitrova, Jacksonville
Laura Koster, Syracuse

Tournament MVP
Noreen Carrol, Syracuse