The Collegian

Issue date: 9/6/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Zack Farmer The women's volleyball record falls to 3-3 for the season after defeats in the Huskers' tournament in Nebraska

After starting the season 3-0, the Gaels dropped three matches this weekend at the Nebraska Tournament to even their record at 3-3.

The volleyball team had three tough matches starting with #1 Nebraska on Friday.

The Gaels fell in three sets after a strong opening set. In the first set, the Gaels led 13-11 and later 18-17 but could not hold on against the Cornhuskers. "We gave up one string of points in the first set," said Coach Rob Browning. "They are a very, very good team."

Missie Stidham '08 led the team in kills (9) and digs (14).

On Saturday, the Gaels played five sets and fell to Long Beach State 15-7. Stidham, who recorded 15 kills, was replaced by senior Lauren Holland due to a sore knee. Holland had a career match with 13 kills and 15 digs. "She did a good job for us," said Browning. "She stepped up and played pretty well at the end."

Taylor Groess '09 had a career high 19 kills in the match.

Afterwards, Browning talked to the team about dealing with the losses. "We talked to the team about adversity," said Browning. "We need to dictate what the course is."

The final match of the weekend was not dictated as Browning wanted and the Gaels fell in five sets to Middle Tennessee State. The Gaels led 8-3 in the final set before the Blue Raiders rolled off five consecutive points to tie. The Gaels lost the game on a service error, giving the match to the Blue Raiders 15-13.

Lauren Jaeckel '10 had 11 kills with a .450 kill percentage against Middle Tennessee State. The freshman also posted four kills against Nebraska. "She's doing well," said Browning. "There are some things she's way behind in because she's a freshman, but we're really happy."

Christina Kirk '07 recorded 34 kills over the weekend while posting a .347 kill percentage.

Browning is not pleased with the results so far but he is confident that his team will get better. "We're not really good right now," Browning said. "We got to keep from getting discouraged. We're not at full strength right now. We'll get healthy and we'll get better."

The Gaels will play the Long Beach State 49ers again tomorrow on the road. After playing the 49ers on Saturday, the Gaels are familiar with their opponent. Browning said, "We can play with that team."

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