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St. Cloud State University
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SCSU loses dog fight to Bulldogs
By Ryan Atkins
Published:
Monday, October 4, 2004
Media Credit: Matthew Kaster
Outside hitters Lindsay Ashburn and Lindsey Gothe defend against a Bulldog offensive punch. The Husky defensive shield was not enough to stop UMD as they beat the Huskies in three games.
Entering the weekend match against sixth-ranked University of Minnesota-Duluth, the Huskies aimed to continue their three-match winning streak against a conference power, but were unsuccessful losing three games to none.
Having already equaled last season's 11 victories, the Huskies had hopes of proving to the home crowd at Halenbeck Hall that they belong among the elite of the nation. The Bulldogs proved to be too strong for the continually improving Huskies.
Starting the game with quick points, UMD built a 14-11 advantage.
Even with the Bulldogs continually pressing the Huskies into submission, SCSU would not quit, battling back from a seven-point deficit at 25-18. Down 29-24, SCSU appeared to have the momentum following a point to bring the Huskies within five, but UMD would counter attack , and won the first game.
Following the first game setback, SCSU entered the second game with new found energy and determination. The Huskies stayed with UMD, leading at portions of this game, thanks to the all around hustle from the whole team, especially senior captain Megan Hardy, junior Angie Mayers, and sophomore Kristi Pangrac.
Second-year head coach Patricia Mickow was impressed that the Huskies stepped up the level of play, despite the defeat.
"When you're playing a team like this, you have to raise your level of play or things aren't going to look good," Mickow said.
However, the momentum would once again shift to UMD when SCSU trailed by a point, 14-13. At that spot in the match the Bulldogs regained composure, determined not to take their new conference rivals for granted. The Bulldogs Built a six-point lead, 28-22. SCSU attempted a mini comeback bringing the deficit to four, 29-25. UMD quieted the home crowd by winning the next point, giving them a 30-25 victory.
Following a brief intermission between games, the Huskies entered the third game confident they could rally with the sixth-ranked team in the country.
Jumping to their biggest lead of any game by three points, SCSU led 5-2.
Once again, UMD would take over gaining leads as big as three points until the Huskies lowered the point differential, or tied the game. Leading 14-13.
UMD attempted to take over gaining a 19-13 advantage. The determined Huskies would not go away. Using an all-out team approach of running, and diving for every ball, the Huskies crawled their way back into the third set. The Huskies pulled with a point, 21-20. UMD attempted to pull away gaining four more points earning a 25-20 advantage, but the Huskies lowered that total to 25-23.
Sophomore Lindsey Gothe thought SCSU gave everything they had despite the loss.
"I thought we did adjust because they are really a great team. I have to say that we hung in there pretty well," Gothe said, "But of course I would like to have seen us win a game."
Up by five, UMD finished the game winning 30-25 giving them their 13th victory in 14 matches. The Huskies record fell to 11-6.
Despite SCSU losing the match in three games, Mickow was pleased SCSU did not give in when UMD would attempt to pull away.
"It is just impressive that (we) don't quit," Mickow said. "(When) we get down by four or five points it would be easy just to sit back and go 'well whatever, we're not good enough.' They don't do that.We're not going to give anything away. We're playing the number six team in the country and we're knocking on the door."
Once again, SCSU was led by Leah Herrboldt who led the team with 13 kills, and 17 digs topping her as the Huskies all-time leader in digs with 1060. Hardy contributed with 15 digs, while junior Jamie Schlagel had seven kills followed by Gothe Lindsay Ashburn and Mayers each with six.
The biggest difference between UMD and SCSU was the percentage of converting kills on attempts. UMD converted .204, compared to SCSU's .131 percentage.
Despite the loss, Gothe believes SCSU is capable of competing with everyone.
"If we realize we are good enough to play against everyone," Gothe said. "We can't get down for losing to Duluth because they are a great team. We need to keep our heads up and realize that we can stick with any team we play."
The next opportunity SCSU will have to reach 12 victories since 1999 will come Wednesday against Bemidji State 7 pm.
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