Oct. 14, 2003
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland State volleyball team let an eight-point lead slip away in the third game, but recovered on its way to a 30-25, 30-20, 30-32, 30-24 victory over Bowling Green Tuesday night in Woodling Gymnasium. With the victory, the Vikings improve to 13-10 overall, including a 12-5 mark in non-conference play, while the Falcons fall to 9-10.
After winning the first two games, CSU appeared to be in control up 23-15 in the third frame. However, BGSU stormed back after a time-out to tie the score at 26-26. The Vikings had a chance to serve for the match at 29-27, but the Falcons scored five of the final six points to force a fourth game. CSU jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the final frame and was never seriously challenged afterwards.
"We played tentative from the middle of the third game on and it ended up costing us," CSU head coach Chuck Voss said. "I am proud of how we came back strong out of the gate and pretty much controlled the entire fourth game. I thought our defense tonight was great. We really pursued the ball well."
Sophomore outside hitter Emily Clark (Bolivar, Ohio/Tuscarawas Valley) paced the Vikings with 11 kills, a .417 hitting percentage, 13 digs and a career-high seven blocks. Junior middle hitter Jamie Bouyer (Bedford Heights, Ohio/Chanel) added 13 kills and nine blocks, while junior setter Kelly Crain (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) tallied six kills, 55 assists and 17 digs. Sophomore Katie Calhoon (Mansfield, Ohio/Madison) led CSU with a career-best 20 digs.
BGSU's Taylor Twite recorded 14 kills and six blocks, while Nadia Bedricky and Susie Norris both finished with 13 kills. Chrissy Gothke led all players with 22 digs.
The Vikings outpaced the Falcons in every major statistical category, including hitting percentage (.250 - .168), aces (11 - 3), digs (81 - 73) and blocks (13 - 9).
Cleveland State is in action again when the Vikings host league and in-state rival Youngstown State at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17.
