October 2, 2009
Box Game 1 | Box Game 2
Clinton, IA-Jacket volleyball is on the road for the Ashford Invitational Friday and Saturday. In their first match, they defeated Clark College (IA) in a five game dogfight at Clinton, IA.
Graceland took the first two games of the match, 25-20 and 25-19. As the match wore on, however, Clarke's unorthodox attack gave the GU women some problems, and they dropped next two games 18-25 and 19-25, respectively.
With the scene set for a thrilling finale, the Jackets did not disappoint, rebounding from an early deficit and surviving four straight Clarke match points to take the fifth game 20-18.
"It was an unusual match and more competitive than we were expecting. Clarke directs a lot of their offensive focus to their Middle Attackers. They are both versatile and capable weapons. They and their team play just kept getting better each game," said Coach Stew McDole after the game. "Our ball control and attacking broke down noticeably during games three and four, so the stage was set for an extremely competitive game five. We played from behind the entire game, and we finally pulled even at 12-12. From there it was a test of wills. Our team faced match point four times and was able to side out. Finally, we had a chance to serve for match and we came away with the win. This was a team victory," he concluded.
For the second match, Graceland faced host team Ashford University. After losing a tightly contested game one, the Jackets proceed to run the next three games to take the match 3-1. A quality Ashford team played well, but were unable to match a crisp and controlled performance by Graceland, which was firing on all cylinders in the evening matchup. There were whisps of a rally for Ashford in game four, but the Jackets were able to put it to bed to close out the evening with a convincing victory.
"To be honest, my opinion is that Ashford is the best team in the other pool," said Coach McDole. "I watched a little of them playing, and I thought they were a very good team with good tools. Looking at the stats, we were pretty even, and I told the team tonight's game was going to be war."
McDole continued, saying that: "Certainly in the tourney so far, we are the team that came most ready to play. Our platform game was crisp and consistent all match. I believe that the offense was playing higher than our average this season. But this match was an absolute team effort. That is the kind of team we are, as our serving was good, platforming was on on point and clutch: the fourth game was a good win, we had to fight hard." Added Coach McDole, "This win set some people talking in gym, and we are postured pretty well for tomorrow."
Check back for full stats, scores and summary for the rest of Graceland's weekend in Clinton, with action resuming tomorrow at 11am against Mount Mercy College. Stay tuned to the Jacket athletics website for continuing coverage of the women's volleyball team and all of Jacket athletics.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
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