VOLLEYBALL WINS LAST HOME MATCH

October 8, 2004 - The CSM volleyball team entered their last home match as one of the hottest teams in the country, winning their last eight matches and 21 games in a row.  The Hawks kept their match streak alive, as they defeated Rockville 3-1 (30-27, 30-14, 27-30, 30-25) on "sophomore night".

    Rockville (3-4) pressed CSM (21-8, 8-1) in the first game.  The Hawks jumped to a slight lead, and were able to maintain it for a 30-22 win.  Kia Stewart and Katie Tyner led CSM with several kills each.

    Jessica Crum started the second game with three aces, and the Hawks raced to a 20-4 lead and never looked back.  Ashley Sands contributed several aces on her serve, and set Erin Consalvo, Kia Stewart, and Danielle Sturman for some big kills during the game.  Katie Tyner and Jessica Crum set play up with some fine digs, and Kimmie Patton played big at the net with several blocks.  CSM played their best game of the match winning 30-14 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.

    The Knights weren't going to give up without a fight, and the third match was tight throughout.  Kim Burton had some big kills, Jennifer Ferreria had several blocks, and Brooke Belldina did some fine work serving (including an ace), as Rockville took the third game 30-27 to cut the CSM lead to 2-1.

    The fourth game started out just as tight, with neither team able to get more then a two point lead.  With the score tied 7-7, Ashley Sands served back to back aces to give the Hawks a 9-7 advantage.  The lead would be extended to 14-7 during her serve.  Jessica Crum had some big digs to get things started, and Erin Consalvo had a kill and tipped one in for a point.  Danielle Sturman also had a kill during the run.

    Irena Angic's ace cut the Hawks lead to four at 21-17, and Rockville also trailed by four at 23-19, but that was as close as they could come.  Kimmie Patton had a block for a point, and Sands served two consecutive aces, and the CSM lead was back to 28-20.  Katie Tyner's kill gave CSM the game and match at 30-25 and 3-1. 

    A brief ceremony was held before the game to honor the three sophomores playing their last home game.  Erin Consalvo, Kia Stewart, and Danielle Sturman all ended their home career in fine fashion, as all three were instrumental in the Hawks win.  As she has been all year, Erin Consalvo had multiple kills, and was a huge presence at the net.  Kia Stewart also had many key spikes, and did a did an excellent job blocking as well.   Danielle "Red" Sturman also was a big presence at the net, with several blocks and when she didn't block the shot, she made the Knights alter their shots.  She also made several key plays down the stretch. 

    The Hawks play at Catonsville on Tuesday, October 12, in a game that could have implications for the MDJUCO title.  Next weekend (Oct. 15-16) CSM will play in the Hagerstown Tournament.