Nov. 7, 2009 | Box Score
Springfield, MO-The GU women were outlasted and outdrawn in the final game by Evangel's squad in a breathtaking two game GU rally. The Jacket women were just moments away from a miracle comeback victory in the opening round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference playoffs Saturday in Springfield, Missouri. Graceland overcome a 0-2 deficit to force Evangel into a tiebreaking fifth game. But it was not to be; after running the score to a 15-15 even margin, the GU squad fell in extra play, 15-17.
Graceland was unable to get the offense in sync in the first game of the match, but despite miscues still fought the Crusaders to a standstill before dropping the first game 25-27. The second game was much the same story, finishing with Evangel on top 25-18.
But the Jackets found their stride in game three, and outdueled a surging Evangel squad 27-25 to keep themselves alive. The Graceland women made the most of the opportunity they had created and kept the rally rolling with a 25-20 victory in the fourth game.
The energy in the gym was electric for game five, with Graceland's wave of momentum crashing into the roar of the home crowd's support. The contest was a back and forth affair, with both sides dumping all they had into their play. Evangel nosed ahead in the final exchanges, however, finally ending the bitterly fought game, 15-17.
"I think that GU fans everywhere would have been proud of their team tonight. They played tough, played well and they played with heart against a very tough team. It would have been easy, in game one, being down four points all game, to just give up. But we fought them and made them earn the game. It would have been easy, two games down, to just concede the match and go home," said Coach Stew McDole. "But," he continued, "we played great volleyball, and our performance was typical Graceland volleyball: Two ace serves to win game three. We were in control for game four, and it put us in a situation that we made it to game five."
Coach McDole concluded: "I thought the way we came out and started the last game we were going to go all the way, but we got to a point where it was match point. When it's match point against, it takes a certain level of mental toughness that a lot of teams don't have. We did what we needed to do. But the problem with playing match point against is that there is very little margin for error. It was a match which is what college volleyball is all about. I honestly thought were going to get game five, even to the very last moment. Evangel is a good team, and we have a lot of respect for them It is a great, healthy rivalry between teams that deeply want to succeed. I think our fans, our university ought to be proud."
With the loss at conference, the 2009 Women's Volleyball season comes to a close, with the Jackets compiling a total record of 17-14 on the campaign. Stay tuned to the Graceland athletics website for offseason coverage of the women's volleyball team and all of Graceland athletics.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director (641) 784-5318 mshelton@graceland.edu
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