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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
Notre Dame
Falcon Netters Drop Season Opener to Notre Dame
August 26, 2006 | Volleyball
"It was a really good match to start the season, our serving and passing was as good as I saw all of last season," Coach Denise Van De Walle said. "To start the season well in those two categories is a big plus."
"With the hitting and blocking we just fell short. Notre Dame is just bigger and stronger."
Junior Stephanie Swiger connected on four kills to lead the Falcons in the opening act. Sophomore Chelsey Meek began the season where she had left off in 2005, compiling eight digs in game one. However, Notre Dame obtained a 30-24 win. Meek recorded 21 digs in the match, good for a 7.0 digs per game.
Game two was a see-saw battle with the lead exchanging hands several times, including a 26-25 lead for Bowling Green. However, three consecutive Falcon errors followed to give Notre Dame a 28-26 lead. A kill by Sophomore Meghan Mohr later cut the Falcon deficit to 29-28 before Notre Dame's Mallorie Croal gave the Fighting Irish a 30-28 win.
"I thought we were going to get it (game two). We had our chances and it just didn't go our way," Van De Walle said.
Instead of simply laying down after digging themselves a 5-0 deficit to start game three, the Brown and Orange scratched and clawed their way back into the match. BGSU stormed back to take a 19-18 lead after a pair of Falcon blocks. Freshman Corey Domek, Mohr and Swiger combined for the two rejections. However, Notre Dame responded to eventually take game three, 30-26.
"To have thirteen kills in your first collegiate match is impressive. (Corey) Domek just came out and swung realy well," Van De Walle.
"Chelsey Meek also played very well. Her passing, serving and digging were all good."
The Falcons open the doors to Anderson Arena for the home opener on Tuesday, August 29. The match against Cleveland State is scheduled to start at 7 PM.
