Blazers Erase 14-Point Deficit

09/14/2007

The College of Saint Benedict volleyball team (0-1 MIAC, 5-4 overall) defeated the Simpson College Storm 3-1 in tonight’s 7 p.m. match of the CSB Holiday InnVitational. The scores of the four-game match were 30-22, 30-21, 31-33, and 30-28. Despite a quick start by the Blazers, the Storm proved to be a worthy opponent and forced CSB to earn their success.

After decisive wins in games one and two, it appeared as if the Blazers could coast to victory. However, that just would not happen with Simpson on the other side of the net. Game three turned into a struggle that could not be determined in regulation. Each team struggled to gain a lead, but the Storm edged out CSB with a 33-31 win. With the momentum they had gained, Simpson came out with a 20-6 lead over the Blazers in the fourth game.

Nevertheless, the Blazers persevered and rallied behind sophomore setter Beth Hanson (Fairbault, Minn. / Bethlehem Academy). Hanson came to serve facing a 20-9 Simpson advantage. She responded aggressively with three service aces on her first four serves. Hanson finished the match with eight service aces. By the time Hanson had relinquished her serve, CSB had cut what was once a 14-point deficit down to just six points (21-15). But the Blazers would not stop there. CSB continued and finished off a 15-2 run that put the team in a position to win. The Blazers continued to hustle for every opportunity and every point until they obtained a 30-28 victory to seal the victory.

In this hard fought match, the Blazers had to perform on both sides of the net. Sophomore outside hitter Emma Jaynes (Hibbing, Minn. / Hibbing HS) led the offensive attack with a game-high 18 kills. She also added 12 digs to secure a double-double in the match. The defensive play by the Blazers was equally impressive as three Blazers each recorded five or more blocks. First-year middle blocker Calleigh Brown (Buffalo, Minn. / Buffalo HS) came in with the game-high seven blocks. She was closely trailed by her teammates senior right side Theresa Naumann (Columbia Heights, Minn. / Totino-Grace HS) and fellow first-year middle blocker Laurel Heggernes (Mora, Minn. / Mora HS), who each added five blocks to the effort.

The Blazers are next in action tomorrow (Sat., Sept. 15) at 10:30 a.m. when they take on University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire to start day two of the Holiday InnVitational.

Stats | Tournament Results | Volleyball | CSB Sports

Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098