Oct. 28, 2006

BULLDOGS FIGHT OFF ST. MARY’S

Adrian seeded third, to host Tri-State in tournament

By Ed Patino
Sports Information Assistant

SOUTH BEND, IN--The win didn’t come easy, but the Adrian College volleyball team will enter the MIAA Tournament with momentum. A balanced attack helped the Bulldogs score an exciting 30-22, 30-28, 26-30, 30-32, 15-13 victory over the St. Mary’s Belles in the regular season finale at the Angela Athletic Center.

Adrian (17-8, 12-4 MIAA) will be the No. 3 seed in the MIAA Tournament. The Bulldogs will face No. 6 seed Tri-State in the opening round at the Merillat Center.

The Bulldogs pulled away for a victory in the first game, then nipped the Belles in a close second game. St. Mary’s (16-9, 9-7 MIAA) came back with close victories in the next two games, but Adrian recovered to take the decisive fifth game, clinching the match.

Four players hit double figures in kills for the Bulldogs. Lindsay Eshelman led the way with 24 kills, while Lucie Smith blasted 18 kills. Jenny Carlson added 12 kills and Holly Pellegrin had 10 kills. Abby Sikora set up 66 assists and recorded 28 digs. Samantha Mercy had 21 digs, while Jessica Beckman made 19 digs. Stephanie Asmus finished with 14 digs for Adrian.

Kristen Playko slammed 23 kills and made 20 digs to lead the Belles. Kaela Hellman added 15 kills, while Lorna Slupczynski had 14 kills and 16 digs. Anne Cusack made 32 digs and Marisa Gross added 20 digs. Amanda David set up 63 assists and made 15 digs for St. Mary’s.

The Bulldogs won both matches against Tri-State during the regular season. Adrian swept the Thunder in three games Sept. 12 at the Merillat Center, then pulled out a five-game victory in Angola, Ind. The Bulldogs and Tri-State are meeting in the MIAA Tournament for the first time.