Bowling Green State University
AKRON
Falcons Get Back On Winning Track With 3-0 Sweep Over Akron
November 07, 2004 | Volleyball
Nov. 7, 2004
AKRON, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University volleyball team snapped a four match losing streak Sunday afternoon with a three game sweep over Akron (30-28, 30-28, 30-22). In the win 10 different Falcons recorded at least one kill.
The win improves the Falcons to 14-12 overall and 7-7 in Mid American Conference action.
The highlight of the match was sophomore Chrissy Gothke, who registered 31 digs (career-high) in only three matches, and head coach Denise Van De Walle could not be happier.
"I just want to compliment the defense of Chrissy Gothke," said Van De Walle. "She played with heart and passion and was not going to let us lose on the defensive end."
Akron led 2-0 early, but the celebration was short-lived as BGSU tied it up at 2-2 to begin game one. The Falcons used a 12-8 run to lead by four at 14-10. BGSU pushed the lead to five at 20-15 before Akron battled back, tying it up at 25-25. The teams traded points and it was again tied at 28 apiece. Two-straight BGSU kills gave the Falcons the opener 30-28.
The second stanza was a nip-and-tuck affair that featured seven lead changes. Akron enjoyed a four-point advantage throughout the game, leading 12-8 and again at 16-12. BGSU continued to press and were able to knot it up at 16-16. Both teams bunkered in and traded points for the next 12 rallies and it was all tied up at 28-28. Once again the Falcons were able to seize the upper hand and won it 30-28.
Game three was close early with the score tied at five apiece. Everything went south for the Zips in a hurry as the offense went cold and the team struggled to a .191 attack percentage for the game. Bowling Green hit a match-best 364 in the third frame and used an 11-4 run to grab a huge lead at 16-9. The seven-point advantage was all BGSU needed as they won the game 30-22 and the match 3-0.
"It feels good to get back on the winning track," said Van De Walle. "It even feels better that we were able to get out of there in three."
Offensively the Falcons were led by senior captain Melissa Mohr. She posted a team-best 12 kills, but also chipped in with two blocks. Other offensive outbursts included Taylor Twite (8), Maggie Karges (8), Stephanie Swiger (8), Amber Mareski (7) and Emily Manser (7).
"I was happy to see Mel step it up a notch," explained Van De Walle. "Her offensive effort was much better than last night."
Even with Gothke's 31 digs, Manser and Mareski got into the defensive action by posting nine digs apiece. Elizabeth Simon was fourth on the team with seven digs.
Up next for the Falcons is the final week of the regular season before the Mid-American Conference Tournament makes its way to Anderson Arena on Nov. 19-21. The upcoming week will feature a road match with Oakland (Nov. 10) and two home contests with Marshall (Nov. 12) and Buffalo (Nov. 13). All three matches are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
