By BRITTNEY FRENCH
By SAM DITTMANN
Senior Kaylee Schaefer goes up for the block against Erin Albers (14) from Washington University, in the Bears' four-set win Nov. 12.
The Webster University women’s volleyball team lost 3-1 to tournament host Washington University on Thursday, Nov. 12, in the opening round of the 2009 NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship, officially ending the Gorloks’ season.
Coming into the match, WU knew they were going to have to play hard if they wanted to keep up with No. 4-ranked Washington University.
“We knew it was going to be a tough opponent for us,” coach Merry Graf said. “Our strategy was to play a clean game and not make very many mistakes, but unfortunately, early on, we looked a little nervous and made a few errors.”
The Gorloks were able to take the Bears to four sets, but with five players over six feet tall, WashU proved to be the bigger team and defeated WU (25-17, 25-14, 25-27, 25-15).
The first and second sets against WashU proved to be a battle to the finish.
WU was able to take a small lead early in both matches, but the Bears pulled ahead toward the end to close each game with a win.
“I was pretty proud of them for battling back,” Graf said. “They’re always a tough opponent for us, but we just didn’t play consistent enough to actually take either match.”
After falling behind the first two sets, the Gorloks weren’t going to give up the third without a fight.
Once again, WU was able to take a small lead early in the match, but the Bears bounced back near the end of the set to tie the game 21-21.
Each play became crucial for both teams as they struggled to keep the lead. The score juggled back and forth, causing a tie score five different times.
At match point, WashU pulled ahead 25-24, but the Gorloks came back and stole the set with a 27-25 win, despite junior outside hitter Mary Jo Schweitzer leaving the game with a knee injury.
Schweitzer, a WU starter, did not return for the remainder of the match, and sophomore outside hitter Kelly McClure took her place.
“It was intense,” said sophomore outside hitter Kylie Schweiss.
After claiming a 27-25 victory in the third set, the Gorloks quickly fell behind during the final match and the Bears won the championship.
WU played the Bears twice this season and lost both games.
The Gorloks closed its 2009 season with a 20-13 overall record. They remain 0-4 in the NCAA tournament after taking the SLIAC title the last four seasons.
“Overall, the season went really well,” Graf said. “I’m really proud of the girls, and how the seniors were able to end with great careers. They’re able to go out with great things behind them.”
Graf also said she looks forward to next season and hopes the Gorloks, both new and returning, work hard enough to make it to the NCAA tournament again.
The NCAA tournament game marked the final match seniors Abby Williams, Jackie Schall, Stefanie Larson and Kaylee Schaefer will play for the Gorloks.
“I’m going to miss Webster volleyball,” Schall said. “I’ve had an amazing time during my career and will be able to think of all the memories I’ve made. Hopefully, I can come back and help out with the (volleyball) program in the future.”
