August 29, 2003

NSU OPENS SEASON WITH FOUR-GAME LOSS TO NO. 14 LOPERS

NSU's Jessica Bates led the Wolves with 16 kills in their season-opener.

FARGO, ND - The No. 14-ranked Nebraska-Kearney Lopers handed the Northern State volleyball team a four-game loss on Friday in the North Dakota State Doublewood Inn Classic.

The Wolves attempted to stage a rally after falling in the first two games (23, 24) by winning the third game 30-24. But UNK regrouped and polished off NSU 30-22 in the fourth and deciding game to claim its first win of the season.

Nebraska-Kearney posted a .199 hitting percentage compared to Northern's .163 in the match but the Wolves held a distinct advantage defensivelycollecting 13.5 blocks compared to UNK's 7.0.

"I thought that we really played along with them," said Head Coach Lisa Schriver. "Our inexperience cost us a little. We made a few mistakes in a row and gave them some momentum and that was all that they needed."

Erin Gudmundson led the Lopers with 22 kills and a .237 attack percentage in the match while setter Bethany Spilde posted 62 assists for the RMAC team.

The loss snaps NSU's winning streak at six matches dating back to the 2002 season. NSU will, however, have an opportunity to extend its home seven-match winning streak on Sep. 20 against MSU Moorhead.

NSU (0-1) will play against Emporia State at 5 p.m. today.

Wolf Notables:
-Senior Jessica Bates (Byron, Wyo.) led the Wolves with 16 kills and a hitting percentage of .351 on the match. She also posted five blocks (1 BS, 4 BA) on the morning.

-Tara Sauter posted 35 assists, 15 digs and five blocks in the match.

-Monica Inge recorded a career high 20 digs in the match.

-Laura Nelson tallied her career high in blocks with seven assisted blocks in the match.

Complete Match Statistics