WASHINGTON, DC--Despite a return to Seesaw City, with both teams
scoring point-for-point, the Buff and Blue could not evade the
blocks of St. Mary's College Seahawks, who are #7 in the nation for
blocks. It took four games (30-26, 31-29, 19-30, 30-19) for the
Seahawks to dispatch the Bison and end Gallaudet's run for a
conference championship/NCAA Tournament berth.
Gallaudet found its sync in the third game, averting a 3-0 sweep
with a strong 30-19 win to force the fourth game. It appeared that
the Bison were oblivious to the Seahawk momentum that capped off a
five-point rally to clinch the second game 31-29. The Bison had
been up 29-26 and a 1-1 split seemed all but assured.
Nonetheless, with the third game win, the Field House braced
itself for another stunning rally (in 2006, Gallaudet rallied from
a 2-0 deficit to beat Salisbury University 3-2 in the postseason)
that would not materialize. However, the players worked hard, not
making it easy for the Seahawks to advance to the conference
championship.
Senior setter Krystle Berrigan targeted 45 assists, 13 digs and
2 kills with a block assist and 2 service aces in her last game as
a Bison. Four Bison picked up double digit kills off Berrigan's
assists--freshman sensation Nukeitra Hayes had 17 kills, or
"Haymakers" as her kills could not be blocked, knocking the
opponents out. Ludmila Mounty-Weinstock picked up 14, while Justine
Jeter and Amanda Krieger had 10 apiece.
On defense, four Bison also reached double digits.The
omnipresent Shana Lehmann continued her stellar floor control, as
she seemed to be behind every ball picking up 24 digs, with Micaela
Paulone backing her up and racking 14. Amy Siebert and Amanda
Krieger both recorded 11 digs, a statement to the team defensive
output that Gallaudet put forth. All told, with other contributors,
there were 77 digs.
Katelyn Reese led the team with 3.5 blocks (1 solo, 5 assists)
while the freshman Hayes contributed with 3 blocks (2 solo, 2
assists), and Mounty-Weinstock putting forth 2.5 (5 assists).
In light of the unexpected early end of 2007's campaign, the
Bison will regroup and start preparing for 2008. Coach Lynn Ray
Boren will lose only one senior to graduation, so expect more good
things from the Bison Volleyball program in 2008!
Nukeitra Hayes as she sends forth one of her Haymakers.
Amy Siebert as she picks up one of her 11 digs.
Senior Krystle Berrigan leads a team chant after a Bison
point.
