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VOLLEYBALL SWEEPS ANNE ARUNDEL ON SOPHOMORE
NIGHT
October 2, 2006 -
The CSM volleyball team gave their three
sophomores a grand send off in their final home game, as they swept Anne
Arundel 30-10, 30-14, 30-18.
It was one of the Hawks most dominating performances of the season, as they
set the tone early in the first game, jumping in front 8-2, and never let
the Pioneers close the gap, on the way to a 30-10 win.
"After playing some of the stronger Florida teams in the Pasco-Hernando
Tournament, we've developed a killer instinct." said Head Coach Michelle
Ruble. "We're now playing at a more consistent level in all areas."
Samantha Thurman started and played a key role in the first game win,
serving as the Hawks reeled off eight points in a row and recording three
aces.
Julie McGaughran was a big presence at the net, recording a block and
forcing Anne Arundel to alter their spike attempts several times.
The second game was the most competitive, as Anne Arundel (2-9, 1-5), jumped
out to a 3-0 lead, and the contest remained close in the early going.
With the Hawks ahead by a point at 11-10, CSM outscored the Pioneers 19-4
the rest of the way to win the second game 30-14.
Sophomore Janae Burt, who had a quiet first game, came alive in the second
game with six kills and two blocks. Ally Rose added three kills, and
Becca Steinbach had two. Rachael Olup, also playing in her final home
game, served the final five points, and helped the Hawks close out the
game with three aces.
CSM (14-12, 6-1) left nothing to doubt in the final game, as they raced out
to a 12-1 lead and never looked back in closing out the match with a 30-18
win. The Hawks third sophomore, playing her final game in the "Hawks
Nest", Virginia Smith (VA), had an outstanding evening, placing the ball in
perfect position with her sets to the front line. Janae Burt,
Becca Steinbach, and Ally Rose were the chief beneficiaries of those sets,
and each responded with numerous kills.
Libro Missy Chapman had a superb match, making several diving saves to keep
the ball in play to give "VA" a chance to set up the offense.
Defensive specialist Nikki Agambar played well in all three games.
Agambar is one of the team leaders in digs, and showed why as her excellent
defense helped set up the Hawks potent offense.
Allyssa Blackburn, another defensive specialist also contributed off the
bench, and back-up setter Sarah Young also got some valuable playing
experience.
Overall, it was the sophomores night to shine, and all three of them
(Rachael Olup, Janae Burt, and Virginia Smith) took advantage of the
spotlight with outstanding games. It was fitting that Olup served for
an ace in the final point in game three to give CSM the sweep.
"All three of our sophomores have come a long way in regard to their
volleyball skills," said Head Coach Michelle Ruble as she looked back at
their two years at CSM.
"I've always been impressed with their dedication to improving their
volleyball skills, as well as their effort to achieve success in the
classroom. All three of them have set themselves apart with their
skills and their leadership."
Although their home season is finished, the Hawks still have lots of
volleyball left, as they travel to Allegany on Wednesday, and then to
Lincoln, RI this weekend to participate in the Rhode Island Tournament.
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