OMAHA, Neb. - The Fighting Leathernecks journeyed to Nebraska Saturday (Oct. 27) and came away with a 3-1 match victory, their fourth Summit League of the year which tops Western Illinois' league win total from a season ago.
Western (10-14, 4-9) dropped the opening set 28-26, but rattled off three straight set victories over the Mavericks (6-18, 1-11) by scores of 26-24, 25-20 and 25-17.
"UNO is a great team who stole a victory from us at home," said head coach April Hall. "I'm so proud of the team tonight. We came out a little slow but bounced back and took control of sets 2, 3 and 4. We had four offensive standout performances tonight by Sam (Fournier), Ann (Miller), Heather (Smith) and Katie (Hosteng), all earning double digit kills. They hit the ball with conviction tonight, and a determination unmatched by UNO's persistent defensive efforts. Sarah (Fetter) did an amazing job distributing the ball which allowed our offense to take advantage of one on one opportunities."
Ann Miller and Samantha Fournier led the way for Western, each notching 19 kills. Katie Hosteng and Heather Smith were also effective for the Leathernecks recording 12 and 10 kills, respectively.
Sarah Fetter was efficient setting up her teammates, as usual, finishing with a match-high 54 assists. The 50-plus assists match marked the sixth of her career and fourth this season.
Defensively, Bridget Murphy recorded 23 digs in the match, while three others posted 15-plus. Miller tallied a season-high 22 digs, Fetter had 17 and Fournier tallied 16.The team had 90 digs in the match was a season-best for Western.
"I'd be doing our defense a disservice if I didn't commend them for their relentless pursuit of the ball tonight, continued Hall. "We totaled 90 digs on the match, and again had four athletes in double
digits, led by Bridget (Murphy) and Ann (Miller). Our defense took many strides this
week at practice and it showed during tonight's match."
Omaha was led by Jessy Schroedter and Michaela Schimmer who each had 12 kills.
The Leathernecks continue their road swing next Saturday (Nov. 3) at IUPUI.
"I'm so proud of these girls and am looking forward to getting back in the gym to prepare for IUPUI," finished coach Hall.
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