Final Stats
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The University of North Florida women's volleyball team put together an inspiring fight against Southeast Missouri State but came up short in a 30-21, 27-30, 30-26, 30-21, thriller at UNF Arena in the second match of the 12th Annual UNF Labor Day Classic.
Senior Amy Stroder, a 2007 preseason All-Atlantic Sun Conference selection, looked in top form with a double-double (13 kills, 14 digs). Freshman Kaley Read was also in double-figures in kills with 11.
"I'm proud of the way they played tonight," said head coach Kevin Campbell. "They made a huge step forward, and hopefully they will continue that tomorrow. I'd like to see us get over that hump of playing just competitive enough to stay with our opponent."
UNF (0-4) got off to a strong start in game one, taking an 8-4 lead on a kill from senior Claire Yonutas, who finished with nine in the match. But the Redhawks (3-1) slowly inched their way back into the match to tie it at 11 and eventually go up by as many as 10. A kill by Stroder cut SEMO's lead to 29-20, and the Lady Ospreys were able to gain another point on an attack error from SEMO's Brenna Schlader. But the Redhawks were able to take the first game when freshman Madeline Belvin's serve was too low and hit the net.
The second game continued to showcase the even abilities of the teams, with the squads trading blows until it was tied at 10. UNF then gained momentum to go on a 5-1 run that was capped by a Read solo block. It continued to stay neck-and-neck, and with the game knotted at 27, the Lady Ospreys grasped control. UNF scored the last three points, started by a Belvin service ace and ended with a block assist from Read and Stroder.
UNF took a quick 3-0 lead in the third game, but the Redhawks turned the tide and moments later went on a 10-4 run to take a 12-7 lead. Later in the game, SEMO went up 29-22, but the Lady Ospreys didn't show any signs of letting up and scored the next four points to cut the lead to 29-26. The run was helped by kills from Yonutas, junior Kavie Sturch and junior Bary Rasmussen. But after a quick Redhawks time out, SEMO was able to seal the game on a kill by Aubrey Dondlinger to take a 2-1 lead.
The Lady Ospreys stayed tough in the fourth game and took a 19-17 lead. But a service error by Sturch gave the possession to SEMO and sparked an 11-2 run that allowed the Redhawks to wrap up the victory.
Belvin led UNF with a season-high 41 assists. Senior Maegan Weisert, who saw time as the libero, led the Lady Ospreys on defense with a career-high 23 digs.
Dondlinger led the Redhawks with her own double-double of 13 kills and 15 digs. Sarah Barth had a match-high 48 assists.
UNF will return to action in the Labor Day Classic tomorrow at 10 p.m. against Texas-San Antonio. The Lady Ospreys wrap up the tournament with a 7 p.m. match against Weber State. SEMO will take on Weber State at 12:30 p.m., followed by a 4 p.m. meeting with UTSA.
