Bulldogs capture key dual

BY STEVE SELL, Sentinel Sports Editor

McPherson College's volleyball team may have picked up its most impressive victory to date here Tuesday.

The Bulldogs, after spotting Friends the first game, won the final three to capture the dual match.

"The girls really did a nice job of staying focused and didn't give up," Mac coach Nathalea Stephenson said. "In the second game, they jumped out to an 8-1 lead and then let down a little as we came back to make it 12-12. It was tied at 15-15, then they went up 21-18 before Erica (Alvarez) served five points. We kept the lead and were able to win the game."

Stephenson said the next two games were much like the second, as the Bulldogs were all over the floor.

"We were digging the ball much better today, and I feel that having fall break, the girls came back ready to do some things differently,"

Stephenson said. "It was good to beat Friends, as they were fourth in the conference, and I think that should help us in the confidence area."

Alvarez had a big night with 15 spike kills, 4 tip kills, 2 solo blocks, 2 assist blocks and was 17 of 18 serving with 2 aces.

Other leaders on the night were Andrea Gonzales (9 kills, 2 tip kills, 1 solo block, 4 assisted blocks and was 18 of 18 with 1 ace), Lisa Salazar (11 kills, 1 tip kill, 3 solo blocks, 3 assisted blocks, and 17 of 18 serving with an ace), Angela Hagen (5 kills) and Terra Simoneau (40 assists, 21 of 22 serving, 2 aces, 1 solo block, 3 assisted blocks and 4 kills).

Mac plays Thursday at Sterling.