George Washington University Athletics
Volleyball Ousted By South Carolina, 3-0
12/1/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Short-Handed Colonials' NCAA Journey Ends in First Round
LINCOLN, NE (Dec. 1) - The volleyball season ended abruptly for GW after suffering a 15-13, 15-10, 15-3 sweep at the hands of the South Carolina Gamecocks Friday at the University of Nebraska Coliseum in Lincoln.
For the Colonials (25-6), it signaled the end to a special season that had been dedicated to the memory of their late coach, Yvette Moorehead, who was found dead August 16 in the midst of the preseason and just 16 days before their first match.
Playing without the services of two injured regulars, GW was led by seniors Julie Jahnke and Suzana Manole with nine kills each. Jahnke hit .318 while Manole contributed a match-high 13 digs and four block assists. GW starting outside hitter Renee Arnold (sprained knee) and freshman hitter Ruth Lazzari (dislocated ankle) were both sidelined for the match.
The Gamecocks out-hit the Colonials, .220 to .091 and managed nearly twice as many blocks, 10-6. Senior setter Jill Levey recorded 32 of GW's 40 assists and added 12 digs while freshman hitter Sarah Hokom also posted 12 digs and six kills.
GW came from behind in game one to take 12-9 lead before USC managed to score the next four points to regain a 13-12 advantage. GW tied the game at 13 but South Carolina closed out the game with strong serving.
After USC raced out to a 6-1 lead in game two, the Colonials battled back to go up 10-9 before the Gamecocks responded with the next six points to claim the game.
The Colonials never led in game three but were tied at 3-3 before the Cocks took control of the game and the match.
USC (22-6) was led by Cally Plummer's 15 kills and Berna Dwyer who hit .391 with 12 kills in 23 swings.
The Colonials earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by defeating Xavier in the championship final of the Verizon Atlantic 10 Tournament Nov. 19. GW also knocked off host Dayton Nov. 18 in the semifinal round.
The NCAA appearance and A-10 title were GW's first in five years when the Colonials defeated Middle Tennessee State in the 1995 NCAA first round before losing at Texas.
