|
9/9/2009 - VOLLEYBALL
Lady Bisons Knock Off Bruins in the Match of the Week
|
Print
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - t was the type of match where excellence was needed to make a difference and Lipscomb setter Stefine “Jake” Pease stepped up and played an almost flawless match.
Following Pease’s lead the Lady Bisons swept Belmont 3-0 at the Curb Center in the first round of volleyball’s version of the “Battle of the Boulevard” Tuesday night. It was the first time in the history of the program that the Lady Bisons have beaten the Bruins on their home court.
The Lady Bisons won the first set 25-15, took set two 25-21 and then close out the match with a 25-14 win.
It was the Atlantic Sun Conference opener for both teams and was billed as the A-Sun “Match of the Week” by the conference. The Lady Bisons are the preseason pick to finish No. 1 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Belmont was selected No. 2.
“We wanted to send a message,” said Lady Bisons coach Brandon Rosenthal. “The whole conference was watching this score.
“This was all about what we know we can do. We wanted to set the tone for our season. These are two good teams. It was all about the execution of the little things. “
The last time the two teams met was Nov. 22 in the final of the Atlantic Sun Tournament. Belmont won the match 3-0 and also held a 2-2 advantage in the series between the two teams. Belmont has won six-of-the eight series with the Lady Bisons.
The Lady Bisons also sent a pregame message to themselves. Posted in their dressing room was the saying, “We are one team together”.
“A lot teams have talented players, but they have to learn to play together,” said Rosenthal. “We did that against Belmont.”
Pease was credited with 33 assists, eight digs and one service ace. “Jake played a phenomenal game,” said Rosenthal. “She made the absolute perfect decisions.
