Broom sweeps both ways
by Nate Timmons
The Metropolitan
Metro volleyball's nine-game conference win streak came to a halt at the hands of the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers over the weekend.
"They (Lopers) are number one in the country for a reason," said head coach Debbie Hendricks. "Beating them at home right now is very difficult."
Attendance for the game Friday, Oct. 29 was the largest of the year and the fifth largest in Lopers' history. The gymnasium was packed with 2,553 people, who watched the Lopers (30-0, 17-0 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) sweep the 'Runners (30-14, 30-17, 30-19).
"It (the crowd) was exciting, but we didn't play as well as we could have," said outside hitter Sheena McLaughlin.
Hendricks said it was good for her team to have the experience of playing in front of a big crowd. Metro must get accustomed to it because Nebraska will be hosting the RMAC Tournament Nov. 12-14.
Metro hit .096 percent as a team, while the Lopers were firing on a much higher percentage (.367). Loper middle hitters Erin Brosz and Erin Gudmundson were dominant, combining for 31 kills on .619 and .667 hit percentages.
Leading the way for the 'Runners were Stefanie Allison with eight kills and Sheena McLaughlin with seven.
Saturday, Oct. 30, Metro lost in three games to the Fort Hays Tigers (24-30, 28-30, 28-30). Hendricks said her team had a chance to pick up the win, but the Tigers' (25-3, 15-2 RMAC) confidence carried them to victory.
If the 'Runners (15-13, 12-6 RMAC) had picked up a victory in either match, their mission for a regional tournament bid would have been a lock. Metro will find out later this week if a bid will be extended.
"We are not focusing on the playoffs," Hendricks said. "We have to take care of business against Colorado Christian and Chadron first."
The Colorado Christian Cougars (2-25, 0-18 RMAC) did not pose a threat to the 'Runners Tuesday evening, Nov. 2.
"We wanted to dominate the first game," said outside hitter Julie Green. The scoreboard reflected the game plan as Metro won the first tilt 30-12.
Green's playing time was again cut short because of a recurring shoulder injury. She sat out the final two games with what she called "stabbing pains" in her right shoulder.
The 'Runners are banged up at multiple positions, but that is not unusual this time of year, according to Hendricks. "It's not an excuse, but it is a reality," Hendricks said.
The 'Runners played a relaxed match against the Cougars and enjoyed their final home game. "We are excited about what we have accomplished (this season)," Green said. "We (have become) a family."
Amid the relaxation, the 'Runners shut down Christian. McLaughlin continued to find her groove, which is annihilating the ball, and led her team with six kills in the second game as Metro won 30-21. The Cougars managed to tie the third game at 15 apiece, forcing Hendricks to call a timeout.
The coach reminded her team to remain focused and it did. Metro outscored Christian 15-7 after the timeout to win the game 30-22 and the match 3-0. The 'Runners final home record stands at 9-7, 6-3 RMAC.
The Roadrunners close out the regular season on the road at 7 p.m. (CST) Friday, Nov. 5 against Chadron State. |
