Wash-St. Louis Writes Ticket into Next Round
Joins UW-Whitewater in First Semi-Final Match
Box Score 

November 16, 2006

SALEM, Va. -The second quarterfinal match of the Division III NCAA Volleyball Tournament pitted Stephens Institute of Technology, the winner of the New York Regional, against Central Regional champion Washington University- St. Louis.   Wash-U had to work hard for the win, but in the end they defeated Stephens 3-0 (30-22, 30-18, 30-19).

With an exciting regional championship win behind them, Stephens Ducks arrived ready for the challenge of the Wash-U team.  For the first 12 points, the teams were evenly matched.  The Bears began to pull away with consistent serving from Vicki Blood and Laura Brazeal. 

"Stevens (Institute) did a great job of disrupting our offensive flow," said WU head coach Rich Luenemann. "It wasn't a smooth match for us, but we're looking forward to playing again in the semifinals."

The Wash-U attacking line came out swinging with a team total of 49 kills for the match.  Right side hitter Nikki Morrison topped that list with 10 kills.  Whitney Smith, the middle hitter, created a wall for the Stephens hitters with two blocks per game.  Audra Janak, the sophomore setter, played well defensively and offensively with 10 digs and 19 assists. 

The Ducks key offensive player, Dawn Herring, had only five kills, but she played aggressive in the back row picking up 10 digs.  Micki Biltz, the veteran setter, racked up 27 assists during the match.  Sophomores Jessica Gardner and Melissa Rhode fed off Biltz’s sets to rack up 19 kills between them. 

After taking the win in the first game, Wash-U had to battle Stephens again in a hard fought second game.  The Ducks game out strong with a number of kills to take a slight 12-9 lead. The Bears turned the game around again proficient serving from Blood and Amy Bommarito.

In the final game Wash-U jumped out on top with kills from Smith and Morrison.  Once ahead the Bears ran with their lead to victory thanks in part to continuous strong serving efforts.

The Ducks (34-6) complete their season after traveling deeper into the NCAA Tournament than any previous Stephens’ volleyball team.  Wash-U will play University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the semi-finals on Friday, November 17, at 4:30pm. 

For more information on the tournament, its teams, and match specifics, please visit the online home of the tournament at http://odac.bridgewater.edu/ncaa_vball/.