October 16, 2009

RedStorm volleyball splits with Cumberlands

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm volleyball team split two matches against visiting Cumberlands (KY) on Friday night at the Newt Oliver Arena. Rio Grande won the first match in straight sets, 25-21-25-21 and 25-16. Cumberlands rebounded to take the night cap in four games 25-27, 25-18, 25-13 and 25-16.

Rio Grande (12-12, 8-5 MSC) keeps a slim one game lead over the University of Cumberlands for third place in the Mid-South Conference. 

The first match had Rio winning two close games and then building a huge 18-5 lead in the third set before holding on for the win. 

Freshman middle hitter Erin Sherman (South Webster, OH) and freshman outside hitter Whitney Smith (Albany, OH) teamed up to lead the RedStorm with 10 kills each. Sherman was also a factor on the defensive side of the net with two solo blocks and three block assists. Smith played well defensively also as she recorded 19 digs.

Junior libero Jacquie Whittle (Chillicothe, OH) was tops in digs for the RedStorm with 26. Sophomore defensive specialist Kristen Cassady (Logan, OH) reached double figures in digs as well with 10. 

Junior setter Ashley Bloom (Columbus, OH) led Rio with 20 assists and freshman setter Micah Motes (Chillicothe, OH) added 11. Motes was 14-of-15 serving with one ace and Bloom went 15-of-17 serving with a pair of aces. Bloom registered 10 digs on the defensive side of the net.

In the second match, Sherman led the way with 13 kills and added two solo blocks and two block assists. Smith also reached double figures with 10 kills. She also recorded 19 digs. 

Junior middle blocker Rachel Walker (Ironton, OH) added five kills and had one solo block and two block assists. 

Whittle led the defensive effort with 22 digs and was, a perfect, 16-for-16 serving. Cassady added 16 digs and was 12-for-12 serving with one ace. 

Bloom distributed 17 assists and Motes handed out 11 assists. Both Bloom and Motes went 9-for-9 serving and Bloom registered one ace. 

Rio Grande head coach Billina Donaldson was very frustrated with the second match loss. "I'm trying really hard to follow the five core values of Champions of Character right now," she said. "And you can quote me on that." 

Cumberlands now stands at 12-16 overall and 5-4 in Mid-South Conference on the season.

Rio Grande heads to Notre Dame College for a tri-match on Saturday. The RedStorm will face Daemen College at 1 p.m. and Notre Dame College at 3 p.m.