Oct. 26, 2007
Final Stats
FAIRBANKS, AK: After barely edging the Nanooks in an epic five-game encounter earlier this season, Seattle Pacific swept Alaska in straight games at the Patty Center on Thursday night, winning 30-20, 30-21, 30-22. The Nanooks drop to 9-13 on the season (3-11 GNAC), while Seattle Pacific jumps to 12-9 (7-6 GNAC).
The Falcons soared out of the gates, taking 11 of the match's opening 12 points on their way to an insurmountable 20-7 lead. The Nanooks fought back, but Seattle Pacific never trailed as they took the opening frame 30-20.
Not to be outdone, the Nanooks gave a much better account of themselves in the second frame, leading most of the way. With the game knotted at 16-16, however, the Falcons found their stride. A number of long, hard-fought points went Seattle Pacific's way, and Joelle Perez smashed two aces as the Falcons snatched the second game as well, 30-21.
With their backs against the wall, the Nanooks produced some of their best play in the third game, hustling and contesting every Falcon shot. Alaska could not hold on to a 15-10 lead, however, and Seattle Pacific took the game and the match, fittingly, on back-to-back aces from Alyssa Given.
"I wish I had an explanation," said head coach Phil Shoemaker afterwards. "We have just got to get better. They outblocked us significantly: that was certainly a big part of the game. They outserved us and were very aggressive in their serve. Any time you get five aces a game, you are doing something very, very well. They just outplayed us, and Seattle Pacific has earned our respect."
For the Nanooks, sophomore Megan Thigpen finished the night with 11 kills. Setter Alexa Sherman also produced five winners in just seven attacks, and dished out 23 assists as well.
Seattle Pacific's setter Joelle Perez finished the night with 27 assists, as well as smashing six of the Falcons' 15 aces. Outside hitter Given led the Falcons with 11 kills to go along with five aces of her own.
The Nanooks have just one match remaining at the Patty Center gym for the 2007 season, as they take on Northwest Nazarene on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Seniors Jenna Jones and Jessica King will be honored in a ceremony before the match, as they take to the floor for the final time in front of the home crowd.
