PDF: Volleyball recieves national recognition
The Dragon volleyball team is nationally ranked in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Top 25 poll for the first time since 2005.
They opened their season on a road trip to Florida, going 8-1 against non-conference teams in the Rollins Tournament and the Eckerd College Classic. They faced off with Florida Southern between the two tournaments on the road trip.
In the opening tournament, the Dragons faced off with No. 19 Eckerd and No. 22 Rollins, along with Chestnut Hill and California University of Pennsylvania.
In tough fought battles, the Dragons came out on top in three-of-four matches, dethroning the nationally ranked squads. The Dragons recorded their only loss of the trip to California University of Pennsylvania, 0-3.
“We knew we were the underdogs,” senior outside hitter Heidi Lensing said. “That didn’t hold us back. We played our hardest, taking the games point by point.”
After the opening weekend of play, MSUM had knocked Rollins completely off the AVCA Top 25 poll and bumped Eckerd to No. 22.
The Dragons again beat both teams in two five-set matches less than a week later.
“We had moments where we played very well together,” head coach Tammy Blake-Kath said. “There is still room for improvement, which is exciting because we can get better.”
After defeating both nationally known teams for a second time, the Dragons got the recognition they deserved and were tied for the No. 22 spot on the poll. The Dragons are one of six teams in their conference to be ranked in the Top 25 poll.
“I felt that the NSIC preseason poll totally underestimated us,” Blake-Kath said. “It was exciting to not do it once, but twice, with both teams.”
Three Dragon team members were honored between the two tournaments. Senior outside hitter Heidi Lensing and senior libero Katy Ness were named to the Rollins All-Tournament team. At the Eckerd College Classic, sophomore outside hitter Annie Palmquist, along with Lensing, was named to the All-Tournament team.
Ness was named the Most Valuable Player of the Eckerd classic after averaging 6.1 digs per set. Her outstanding play of 212 digs posted for the season thus far has earned her Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Defensive Player of the Week the last two weeks.
“Katy dug some amazing balls and did a great job passing last week,” Blake-Kath said.
With a solid group of seniors, the team looks to experience for leadership. However, a group of freshmen is proving their worth by posting big numbers for the team.
“We have a great all around freshmen group,” Ness said. “This year all the puzzle pieces fit together, hopefully creating a successful team.”
The Dragons start NSIC action this weekend against St. Cloud State University on Friday and No. 4 Minnesota Duluth on Saturday.
“We need to continue to show we deserve to be ranked now that we are starting conference play,” Ness said.
http://msumadvocate.areavoices.com/2012/09/volleyball-receives-national-recognition/
Meredith Leigh Wathne 