by Emily Buss
Issue date: 10/3/06
Section: Womens Sports
Playing a nationally-ranked team is never a simple task. And this fact proved true when the Minnesota State volleyball team had its re-match against the University of Minnesota-Duluth Saturday. The Bulldogs swept the Mavs in a quick hour and a half game at Bresnan Arena with scores of 30-27, 30-23, and 30-24.
"This was a team that was more advanced," said MSU head coach Dennis Amundson. "Their coach had been there longer, and they were able to make adaptations a little quicker."
Both teams seemed to be having problems offensively as the Mavs only hit an average of .115 and the Bulldogs not much better with .184. In the first match, MSU looked as if it just might pull of the upset but lost by three. The second match proved to be deciding factor in the match when MSU fell 30-23 to the Bulldogs. The third match looked similar as the Mavs were unable to pull off a win.
Killing machine Cassie Wolpern wasn't on her usual game and managed just one kill in 19 attempts. Sophomore Cathy Turner led the way with 11 kills and senior outside hitter Mandy Reuter was able to earn 10. Setter Stef Sandstrom helped her team out by offering 13 digs and 29 assists.
Serving was a difficult spot for both teams this weekend where the Bulldogs had nine errors in this category and the Mavs had eight service errors and eight return errors.
"We just have to go to practice this week and work on the errors we had in the games and improve," Amundson said. "But watching the tape of the match, we actually played better at home then we did up in Duluth."
With two-straight losses behind them and their overall record at 12-6 and conference record at 2-2, the Mavericks hope to get back on track when they play 7 p.m. Friday at South Dakota.
"The kids are going to practice hard and hopefully be well prepared for this match and we hope to go on the road and get a great win," Amundson said.
Emily Buss is a Reporter staff writer
