by Josh Berhow
Issue date: 9/18/07
Section: Womens Sports
The MSU Volleyball team gave a statement to the rest of the North Central Conference this weekend - they are for real. With impressive home wins at the Taylor Center Friday and Saturday, improving their record to 12-1, the Mavs are proving they can fight with the big dogs.
MSU beat North Dakota in a three-game match Friday 30-20, 31-29 and 30-21 to open their season at home.
"The kids showed lots of poise at the end. They played very well from 25 points and on," said head coach Dennis Amundson.
Megan Stroud led offensively with 13 kills and Ashley Nachreiner had a good overall game with nine kills and a team-leading 12 digs. Stef Sandstrom set up the team with 32 assists and added 11 digs. Sophomore libero Kelly Sandstrom also chipped in with 10 digs.
The Mavs' most impressive win of the weekend was beating No.14 Nebraska-Omaha in a three-game match 30-28, 30-22 and 32-30. To beat a team like Nebraska-Omaha, everyone needs to contribute, and everyone did.
"We served effectively, stayed in the game and held off some late surges," said Amundson.
Amanda Beekman totaled 20 kills and Nachreiner added 13 kills and 14 digs.
"We had good play from Amanda and Ashley," said Amundson. "Stef also had a whale of a game."
Sandstrom filled the stat sheet with seven kills, 41 assists and 10 digs. Dana Ostertag had a team-leading 17 digs with Kelly Sandstrom adding 15 digs of her own.
MSU needed everyone to contribute this weekend, and that's exactly what happened.
"Megan (Stroud) and Danielle (Zimmermann) blocked well all weekend," said Amundson. "I'm proud of our passing this weekend with Kelly Sandstrom and Lisa Rohret, and Stef was really good at delivering the ball.
"A good crowd showed up for the games this weekend and they got their money's worth," said Amundson. "It's good to be in front of your own fans."
The Mavericks now travel to Marshall, Minn., to play No. 7 Southwest Minnesota State today.
"Going into their gym on a Tuesday will be an interesting challenge for our kids," said Amundson. "They have a good program; they execute well and keep it simple. We'll have to finish our swings and put the ball down in counter attacks."
Consistent serving is what the Mavs are going to need to do to come home with a win. They've had solid play from all over the court, and have played very well on defense, along with getting good play from their middle blockers.
There will be no secrets to either coach's game plan Tuesday. Amundson and Southwest Minnesota State coach Terry Culhane competed in high school and they know each other very well.
Josh Berhow is a Reporter staff writer
