Nov. 21, 2003
INDIANAPOLIS - Facing a fresh opponent just five-and-a-half hours after its opening match, sixth seeded Cleveland State fell to No. 3 UW-Green Bay (21-10) 30-13, 30-22, 30-22 in the second round of the Horizon League Championship Friday evening in Hinkle Fieldhouse. With the loss, the Vikings' season comes to a close at 18-16, while the Phoenix (21-10) advances to tomorrow's semifinal match against No. 2 Loyola.
"We just didn't come ready to play tonight," CSU head coach Chuck Voss said. "You have to give Green Bay credit though -- they are a very strong team. I thought the program took a small step forward this year, but we had the opportunity to do more."
CSU came out flat in the first game as UWGB jumped out to a quick 11-5 lead and coasted to a 30-13 victory. The Vikings hit -.030 for the frame, while UWGB cruised along at a .462 clip in addition to recording four aces and four blocks.
Game two was a different story early as CSU sided out with the Phoenix. However, UWGB reasserted itself at the net to open up a 16-12 advantage. After trading side outs, a Tomlinson ace forced the Vikings to call time out trailing 18-14. Another burst by the Phoenix forced Voss to burn his final time out facing a 25-17 deficit. CSU was unable to mount a rally as UWGB closed out the game 30-22. The Vikings hit negative once again (-.103), thanks largely in part to five more Phoenix blocks.
UWGB continued to dominate in the third game, running out to a 12-6 lead. Both teams then went into side out mode, running the score to 17-11. CSU then proceeded to run off three consecutive points, forcing the Phoenix to call its first time out of the match. After trading side outs UWGB pushed its advantage to 25-17. Once again, the Vikings were unable to mount a charge as the Phoenix closed out the match 30-22.
CSU hit -.027 for the match while UWGB posted a .257 hitting percentage. In addition the Vikings were out-blocked 12-3.
Sophomore outside hitter Emily Clark (Bolivar, Ohio/Tuscarawas Valley) led CSU with six kills and nine digs, while junior setter Kelly Crain (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) added 21 assists, seven digs and three blocks.
With her third kill of the match (she finished with five), junior middle hitter Jamie Bouyer (Bedford Heights, Ohio/Chanel) became just the second player in school history to record 500 kills in a season, joining Chris Pozega who accomplished the feat in 1983 (661) and 1984 (570).
Senior outside Janelle Tomlinson paced the Phoenix with 10 kills, 11 digs and three blocks.
