Aug. 29, 2008
Box Score
FAIRBANKS, AK- Despite a solid effort in the second set, which saw the score tied seven times, the Alaska Nanooks women's volleyball team came up short as they were swept by the #13 University of Central Missouri Jennies by a 3-0 score Friday night. The Nanooks fall to 1-0 on the season, while the Jennies remain undefeated at 2-0.
The Jennies set the tone in the first set, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Junior outside hitter Megan Thigpen helped the Blue and Gold get rolling with a quick kill, although UCM answered back immediately. The Jennies continued to widen the gap, never allowing the Nanooks to score back-to-back points for the remainder of the set, until they prevailed 25-10. UCM was impressive, outhitting Alaska .652 to .129.
Alaska would not go down without a fight though, and regained its composure in the second set, staying neck and neck with their nationally ranked opponent. The Nanooks took their first lead of the match mid-way through the battle, but UCM bounced back and consistently put it to the home team, running away with a 25-19 win.
Whittled down and frustrated, Alaska could not find its answer and the Jens prevailed 25-11 in the third set to capture the match and complete the sweep.
Junior Jessica Hill recorded double-figure kills, while Thigpen had a team-high 10 digs. Middle hitter Korlyn Bolster was solid offensively leading the team with .312 hitting efficiency and two blocks.
For the Jennies, setter Caitlin Pankratz dished out 28 assists and outside hitter Rachel Fister had a match-high 11 kills and 10 digs. Three other UCM players (Pankratz, Taylor Krejci, and Carrie Petterson) chipped in 10 digs apiece.
Both teams return to the floor at the Patty Center Saturday night for a rematch. First serve is at 7 p.m.
