Date: Friday, November 23, 2007

Sport: Women's Volleyball

Opponent: Malaspina University College Mariners (MAL)

Location: UBC Okanagan, Kelowna

Results: MAL defeated Okanagan 3-2 (25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 21-25, 15-13)

Box Score 

Women’s Volleyball Coach Steve Manuel:

This was our biggest test in league play and although I am never happy with a loss, I am pleased with how our young team performed under pressure. We dropped the first 2 sets but fought back to take the 3^rd and 4^th. We fell behind early in the 5^th set, 3-6 but continued to press. Janice Seinen came into the game and gave us some great serving to give us a lead but after a couple of unfortunate plays and some tough defense by our opponents Mal took the 5^th 15-13. Tammy Thomas was player of the match racking up 18 kills, 3 aces and 14 digs. Emily Browne continues to play well chipping in for 14 kills and 11 digs. Rebecca Warnes was flawless in the middle with 8 kills, 3 blocks and 13 digs. Libero Erin Kolmatycki added 14 digs and passed a solid 2.2 average. Caitlin Nyhus set a good match and did her part in the back row with 12 digs.

We need to learn to play an entire match at a higher level; we are still taking breaks when we need to push a bit harder. We really let Mal off the hook tonight; they are a good team and fought hard with their back against the wall in the 5^th set. We had our chance but tightened up when we should have just played calm volleyball and executed.

Women’s Volleyball Student-Athlete Tammy Thomas:

The match was an intense one for sure. Going in undefeated against the only other undefeated team in our league was huge and made the match an even bigger deal. We came out strong but then gave up a run of points and dug a hole for ourselves. Then we dropped the second set which was tough but we felt that we were still controlling the pace of the game and kept on pushing. We brought the fire in the 3^rd set and we knew that we could do it again. Unfortunately we couldn’t continue our momentum long enough to quite pull out the 5^th set. It was fun to play such an intense match. It was the last time that I will ever play that team in our gym, it will be a good memory to hold onto and I look forward to playing them in their gym next time.

Okanagan Lakers

PLAYER-OF-THE-GAME:

Tammy Thomas

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