2008 Woodie Awards
Volleyball finishes strong against IUP
By Josh Rizzo
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Sports
Even after a strong end to the season, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Slippery Rock (23-14 overall, 3-7 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West) volleyball.
After winning 9 of its final 12 contests, SRU may still miss out on a bid to the regional tournament.
Only the top eight teams in the region will participate in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional tournament.
SRU is currently ranked No. 8 in the region, which also includes two other conferences.
The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and Central Athletic Association champions are guaranteed bids in the tournament, which may put SRU on the outside looking in.
"After finishing the season so strong, it would be disappointing not to play in the regional tournament," senior Louise Schultz said. "However, if we did not get a bid to the regional tournament, at least I will end my career on a winning note."
Schultz was a key factor in the Rock's victory in the season finale against Indiana University of Pennsylvania (15-22, 1-9).
She turned in a well-rounded performance, registering double-digits in kills, digs and blocks. The Rock had four players with more than 10 kills. Schultz led the team with 17.
Fellow senior Andrea Campbell also played well in the final home game of her career.
Campbell added 13 kills to leave the Rock on a positive note.
While the finale against IUP was the last hurrah for Campbell, Schultz and Jenn Scott, many of the players who will be returning next year used the game to showcase their talent.
Freshman Anna Bixler led the team with 30 assists, showing she has made the adjustment from high school well.
Bixler has provided the team with stability at the position all season.
Two juniors who have also been consistent all season also performed well against the Crimson Hawks.
Anastasia Urbanik and Jen Blasko also recorded double-digit kills, which provided the Rock with a steady source of offense in its victory over IUP.
The Rock's postseason fate will be decided on Sunday, when the invites to the regional tournament are handed out.
After winning 9 of its final 12 contests, SRU may still miss out on a bid to the regional tournament.
Only the top eight teams in the region will participate in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional tournament.
SRU is currently ranked No. 8 in the region, which also includes two other conferences.
The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and Central Athletic Association champions are guaranteed bids in the tournament, which may put SRU on the outside looking in.
"After finishing the season so strong, it would be disappointing not to play in the regional tournament," senior Louise Schultz said. "However, if we did not get a bid to the regional tournament, at least I will end my career on a winning note."
Schultz was a key factor in the Rock's victory in the season finale against Indiana University of Pennsylvania (15-22, 1-9).
She turned in a well-rounded performance, registering double-digits in kills, digs and blocks. The Rock had four players with more than 10 kills. Schultz led the team with 17.
Fellow senior Andrea Campbell also played well in the final home game of her career.
Campbell added 13 kills to leave the Rock on a positive note.
While the finale against IUP was the last hurrah for Campbell, Schultz and Jenn Scott, many of the players who will be returning next year used the game to showcase their talent.
Freshman Anna Bixler led the team with 30 assists, showing she has made the adjustment from high school well.
Bixler has provided the team with stability at the position all season.
Two juniors who have also been consistent all season also performed well against the Crimson Hawks.
Anastasia Urbanik and Jen Blasko also recorded double-digit kills, which provided the Rock with a steady source of offense in its victory over IUP.
The Rock's postseason fate will be decided on Sunday, when the invites to the regional tournament are handed out.
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