The Rocket

Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Charise Lutz Anastasia Urbanik sets the ball during the Rock's PSAC-West loss to rival Clarion. The Rock dropped the match by a score of 3-1. [Click to enlarge]

A slow but steady learning process seems to be the theme of the Rock Volleyball team's season.

After last weekend's tournament at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the loss of the first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-West match against undefeated Clarion, the Rock volleyball team carries an 8-4 overall record and an 0-1 mark in the conference.

Head Coach Laurie Lokash was very pleased with the defensive play of her squad, which went 3-0 at the IUP tournament.

Lokash said the team started off a little slow and hesitant, but picked it up and played a lot stronger as the tournament wore on.

"Defensively, we are outplaying everyone," Lokash said. "We maybe did not play the strongest teams last weekend, but once we get started, we play our level of volleyball no matter who the opponent is."

Junior Anastasia Urbanik, who had 31 kills in the tournament, said that the hitting was definitely getting better, along with the consistency and flow of the game.

"We used to be up and down, but this past weekend we leveled off a little bit," she said. "Our defense still isn't where it could be, but it will happen."

Junior Jen Blasko led the team with 36 kills at IUP and also noted the better flow of the team.

"We played a lot better together and the setting is coming along slowly but surely," Blasko said.

The Rock again came out sluggish in their first PSAC West match against Clarion, losing 3-1 on Tuesday evening.

"The first home conference game gives natural reason for being hesitant and tentative," Lokash said.

Senior Louise Schultz had 13 kills and, along with Keira Peoples, shared team-high honors for blocks with three each. She said the team seemed to struggle out of the gate this season.

Continued...

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