Aug. 29, 2007

Box Score

The Alaska women's volleyball team thrilled the Patty Center crowd with a 3-2 victory over Armstrong Atlantic in the Nanooks' home opener. Alaska stretches its record to 4-1 on the season, while the Pirates fall to 2-3 for the year.

In a pulsating, back-and-forth affair, the Nanooks took the first set by a 30-24 margin, only to see Armstrong Atlantic answer back to take the second 30-26. Alaska looked to put the game away following a 30-25 third set win, but the Pirates effectively reclaimed the momentum to steal the fourth set, 30-23.

The Nanooks came out hot in the decisive fifth set, however, jumping out to an early 10-3 lead. The Pirates made things interesting, but the Nanooks held on to take the final set 15-10.

"We wish we could have taken them in three or four games, but the last game, I just looked at everyone's faces and knew we were ready," said sophomore Jessica Hill. "I knew we were going to take it to them. We really focused on finishing them."

Fresh off of her all-tournament team performance in the Hawaiian Style Classic, Hill turned in a monster performance for the Nanooks, mashing 21 kills and three aces. The Blue and Gold looked sharp defensively as well: Hill was one of three Nanooks in double digits in digs with 12. Hannah Armstrong led the team with 17 digs, with Jenna Jones close behind with 15.

Through a total team performance, Alaska was able to cope with the loss of sophomore Megan Thigpen, who missed the game due to tendonitis. "It is a necessary part of the athletic process: you have to learn to play with who is available," said head coach Phil Shoemaker. "It was not the right choice to have her available tonight, so we had to adjust."

"Megan is a very good player, but I think all the outsides stepped up tonight," added Hill. "We all took it upon ourselves to step up and help out."

Freshman Sofia Escalante paced the Pirates with 15 kills and 18 digs, while outside hitter Rindy Vidovich also recorded 14 kills in a losing cause.

Alaska return to the Patty Center this weekend to host the Ninth Annual Auto Service Company Nanook Classic, where they will welcome Hawaii-Hilo, West Florida, and Humboldt State. The tournament kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday with a match between West Florida and Humboldt State, followed by a rematch between Alaska and familiar foes Hawaii-Hilo at 8:00 p.m. The matches will also be broadcast live over www.alaskananooks.com.