Volleyball: WVU Falls in Season Opener
August 26, 2005 07:07 PM | General
August 26, 2005
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| Zolna |
ATHENS, Ohio - The West Virginia University volleyball team fell in its season opener 3-1 (30-25, 22-30, 27-30, 20-30) to Idaho on Friday, Aug. 26, at the Convocation Center at the AmeriHost Inn and Suites Invitational in Athens, Ohio.
The Mountaineers (0-1) were lead by senior Stephanie Zolna's team-high 14 kills and 15 digs. Senior Julie Hockenson also chipped in 13 kills. Junior Aurora Ebert-Santos lead the team with game-high 28 digs.
"We had great senior leadership from Stephanie and Julie," head coach Veronica Hammersmith said. "Aurora had 28 digs, which is huge and gives her a great start on her average. We showed great poise and just need to clean up a few things and keep working hard."
In game one, the Mountaineers got off to a slow start, but rallied and lead by as many as eight points, 20-12, after a Zolna service ace. The Vandals clawed back to within four two times, but WVU held on for the victory at 30-25.
In game two, West Virginia stayed toe-to-toe with their foe before Idaho went on for the win. In game three, WVU led 22-18 before the Vandals reeled off a 12-5 run to win the game.
Idaho (1-0), which has qualified for the last two NCAA tournaments, was led by Kati Tikker's 23 kills and Andrea Fox who finished with 25 digs.
"We learned some things and that will help us tomorrow in our games," Hammersmith added. "Ohio is very good, but will be a great test this early in the season."
The Mountaineers return to action for two matches on Saturday when they take on Tennessee-Martin at 4 p.m., and tournament host Ohio at 7 p.m. The Bobcats also advanced to last year's NCAA tournament and are defending MAC champions.
