Sept. 19, 2007

Lutes Beat Loggers in Battle of Nationally Ranked Volleyball Teams

Box Score

Beth Hanna - 21 kills, 22 digs

Zenon Olbertz photo

PARKLAND – Pacific Lutheran fought back from a one-game deficit to defeat Puget Sound, 23-30, 30-22, 30-21, 30-24, in a Northwest Conference volleyball contest featuring a pair of nationally ranked teams.

The Lutes, ranked No. 22 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III poll, improved their overall record to 8-3 and their conference mark to 3-0 with the victory over the No. 15-ranked Loggers, now 7-4 overall and 2-1 in the NWC.

The visiting Loggers came out sharp in the first game, using a strong defense to thwart the Lutes’ high-powered offense. UPS setter Jamee Fred served five straight points to give the Loggers a 12-8 lead, and they never gave up the advantage.

Once the Lutes got in offensive gear, however, they were tough to stop. All-conference setter Gina Di Maggio found success in primary attackers Beth Hanna and Stacie Matz, who finished the match with 21 and 17 kills, respectively. Kelcy Joynt added 10 kills as Di Maggio finished with 48 assists.

Defensively, Rachel Gross recorded 24 digs for the Loggers, who also got a solo block and five block assists from Kalli Kamphaus. Hanna had 22 digs and Matz 15 digs for the Lutes.

- PLU -