George Washington University
UMBC
Volleyball Spikes UMBC, 3-1
9/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 27, 2005
BALTIMORE, MD -- The George Washington volleyball team overcame a one-game deficit by using a balanced attack that saw five different Colonials record double-figure kills to rally past UMBC, 3-1, Tuesday night at UMBC's RAC Arena. GW won by scores of 26-30, 30-24, 30-17 and 30-22 to improve to 5-9 overall while the Retrievers fall to 6-9 on the year.
After GW rushed out to a 19-12 lead in game one, the Retrievers battled back to tie the game at 21-21. GW took a 23-22 lead on a kill by junior Kelly Kabbes before UMBC outscored the Colonials 8-4 for the 30-26 victory.
Facing a one-game deficit, GW came out strong and controlled games two and three from start to finish but game four was a different story. This time it was UMBC's turn to take control early and stormed to a 7-1 advantage on a kill by Jessie Folk. The Colonials refused to let the game get out of reach, however, and eventually tied it at 11-11. GW's momentum carried as Juliene McLaughlin, Shannon Parks and Lindsey Vernand all took turns putting the ball away. Leading 29-22, the match ended when Kaimana Lee and Abigail Hatter combined to block an attack by Julia Hood.
It was the Colonials' most efficient offensive performance of the season as the squad combined to hit a season-high .342 with a season-best 72 kills, 56 of which were set up by Lee.
McLaughlin, Vernand and Parks all registered double-doubles marking the first time his season that three Colonials pulled off the hat trick. McLaughlin led all players with 18 kills and added 14 digs.
Vernand had one of the best matches of her career with 16 kills, 12 digs, three block solos, a pair of block assists and an ace to account for 21 points while hitting .500. Parks' 15 kills was complemented by her 10 digs. Senior libero Jessica Vesey added a team-high 15 digs.
The Retrievers' Sarah Ball led UMBC with 16 kills and Christine Skalla had 26 digs.
The victory marked GW's 15th straight over UMBC and has never lost to the Retrievers.
GW (5-9, 0-2 A-10) gets back to Atlantic 10 Conference action Friday when it hosts La Salle in a 7:00 p.m. match at Charles E. Smith Athletic Center. Friday's La Salle match and Saturday's match against Temple are part of Parents/Alumni Weekend.
