Aug. 25, 2007

Box Score

The Nanooks earned a split in their doubleheader at the Hawaiian Style Classic on Friday, taking the nightcap with a 3-2 win over Texas Woman's University.

Alaska started well, taking the first set, 30-25. Any ideas of easy victory, however, quickly disappeared, as the Pioneers stormed back to take the second, 30-27. The two teams split the next two games as well, with Alaska taking the third (30-20) and TWU the fourth (30-18).

With the match down to an all-important fifth set, Alaska stepped up to overpower the Pioneers by a 15-7 margin to take their record on the season to 2-1. The Nanooks put the final game out of reach by taking eight of the first nine points, including back-to-back aces from Megan Thigpen. Junior middle hitter Korlyn Bolster sealed the match, recording the final kill.

"It was as close as the 3-2 score would indicate," said head coach Phil Shoemaker. "We battled really hard tonight. We are certainly still showing signs of inconsistency, but we are trying to play aggressively, and we are getting good performances. It was a really nice win."

Senior outside hitter Jessica King led the way for the Nanooks, landing 13 kills with only four errors. Sophomore Jessica Hill finished with 11 kills as well, while Thigpen, who also had 10 kills, recorded a team-high 14 digs. Setter Alexa Sherman continued her outstanding tournament with a 42-assist, three error performance.

"Alexa [Sherman] really did a great job as our setter," said Shoemaker. "It was a difficult match, so we put a lot of responsibility on her, and she responded. She really played a smart game, kept her composure, and made good choices when we needed it the most. She was superb when we needed it the most: down the stretch and in the fifth game."

Alaska will look to carry the momentum from tonight's big win over into tomorrow, as the Blue and Gold conclude their stay in the Pacific with a match against hosts Hawaii-Hilo.