sports
'Runners tested on court
Metro volleyball faces premier weekend challenge
By Jenna Woodman
jwoodma5@mscd.edu
Twelve top teams from across the nation were in Denver sharpening their skills and testing their teamwork in the annual Colorado Premier Volleyball Tournament.
The event is hosted by Metro and Regis University.
The Roadrunners' first game was on Friday, where they faced off against West Texas A&M University. The early match-up went well for the 'Runners as they defeated WTAMU, 30-25. The loss awoke the Buffaloes, and in the second game they beat Metro 30-26. Metro came out victorious defeating West Texas A&M in games three and four, 35- 33 and 30-34 respectively.
Photo by Adrian DiUbaldo adiubald@mscd.edu
Metro senior, Megan Wittenburg, spikes the ball at the Premiere Challenge Tournament on Friday, Sept. 2. The event was hosted by Metro and Regis University at the Auraria Events Center.
This was a significant win for Metro, and as a regional victory, it may prove to be important for the continuing success of the season.
As Saturday rolled on, the Roadrunners were faced by the challenge of 2004 NCAA Champions, Barry University. Metro was successful, opening play in the first two games with two wins.
The success seemed to wear off as Barry defeated them in game three by only two points. The Buccaneers won by five in game four. In game five, the 'Runners came out ahead after a strong competition, eventually winning by a margin of 15-10.
"We came out and ran our system at-will, the first two games," said head coach Debbie Hendricks after the win. "We didn't serve or hit as aggressively in the next two, and it cost us games. But, we did a great job in game five. I'm very pleased."
Day two of the tournament against Central Missouri State University, the same team that defeated the Roadrunners at the start of the season, was a long day. Although they lost again, it was not a win that the 'Runners were going to give away easily. They went into their second five-game match of the tournament.
Metro started with a 30-24 win in game one, but was defeated in games two and three. They came out victorious in game four, with a win of 30-19, but by the end of game five, the Jennies managed to slip away with a 15-13 win.
"It was a disappointing loss," said Hendricks. "We had opportunities to win. However, we were in a position to win, and when we played them a week ago, we weren't in a position to win. I'm really pleased with where we're at."
In Metro's final match of the tournament, the 'Runners faced The University of Findlay. Metro was beaten by the Oilers in the opening game 27-30, however, things turned around quickly. After three more hard-fought games the 'Runners came out on top. With final scores of 30-28, 30-20 and 30-27, Metro powered through the finale and brought its season record to 4-3.
Sophomore setter Gabrielle Curtis and junior outside-hitter Sheena McLaughlin each were honored with positions on the All-Tournament Team.
The 'Runners play next on the road against the dangerous University of Nebraska-Kearney at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 to begin the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
