In a match that saw 17 ties and four lead changes, the UW Parkside volleyball team was able to manage a victory over an evenly matched Northern Michigan squad, clinching the tiebreak set by a score of 19-17.
“That was a fun win for us. We go into every game expecting a battle, but that was our first five set match of the season,” senior Makenzie Fahnestock said. “I think it showcased our work ethic and heart.”
Fighting for a postseason birth with no room for error, the Rangers swept both Maryville University and Illinois Tech volleyball in straight sets Saturday. On a weekend when two crucial wins were statistically their most celebrated accomplishment, ‘Senior Day’ made those victories seem all but trivial. Seniors Tami Gleason, Cassie Wilkens, and Rachel Burmester stepped on their home court for the final time in front of Parkside’s crowd.
“In my two years it’s been such a pleasure to coach these ladies,” said Michele Benoit, Parkside’s second-year head coach who chalked up her 40th win in 61 contests. “They’ve been accepting of me and have bought into my system…hopefully it’s served as a valuable learning experience for everyone.”
A devastating injury to a key player and a poor week of performances might plague any other volleyball squad; the ladies of Parkside aren’t just any other team. They were one set away at Cardinal Stritch from losing three straight matches, and they opened Friday night with the same struggles. It was the poise they’ve exemplified all year that earned the Rangers a five-set thrilling victory over Bellarmine.
UW-Parkside (5-2) (11-5) faced Great Lakes Valley Conference opponent Bellarmine University (3-3) (8-7) Friday night at DeSimone Gymnasium in Kenosha, WI. Backed by an animated crowd of the Parkside faithful on ‘Jersey Night,’ the Rangers translated the added energy into a much needed win.
Veteran leadership and a game-changing performance from senior Tami Gleason helped Parkside stun No. 9 Indianapolis in their home opener.
UW-Parkside (6-3) upset the University of Indianapolis (7-3) Friday night in four sets at DeSimone Gymnasium in Kenosha, WI. In front of a hostile crowd of 157, the Rangers shocked the Great Lakes Valley Conference by capitalizing on their home-court advantage to win the final three sets of the conference opener.
The Greyhounds entered 2010 ranked No. 4 in pre-season polls among NCAA Div. II volleyball programs.
Lewis setter Rachel Ruedi’s remarkable 53 assists, 18 digs, 10 kills, and game-winning block avoid a potential upset.
The women’s volleyball squad of UW-Parkside (4-7) (20-10) hosted No. 13 Lewis University (11-0) (25-3) at DeSimone Gymnasium Tuesday evening which showcased a Great Lakes Valley Conference match-up.
Just one point away from shocking powerhouse LU, the Rangers performed admirably but failed to sustain such an effort falling in five sets for the second straight match (25-21) (21-25) (20-25) (25-13) (16-18).
