Sunday, September 11, 2011

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Powered by another stellar performance by senior middle blocker Katie Rose, the Lipscomb volleyball team battled to a 3-2 (25-21, 21-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10) win over Portland in the “Golden Dome Invitational” at the Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Ind.

“I thought as far as wins go, this really solidified what we tried to do this weekend,” said Lipscomb head coach Brandon Rosenthal. “I’m proud of the team to be able to finish against tough teams this weekend.  I love to see what we did against another quality opponent. After three weekends, we’re starting to put things together.”

The reigning Atlantic Sun Player of the Week, Rose notched a career-high 17 kills and added nine digs and seven block assists to earn All-Tournament honors.  The Lady Bisons also got strong defensive play from sophomores Caitlin Dotson and Stephanie Rex along with freshman Megan Stout, who each finished in double-figure digs.

“I think Katie Rose really stepped up and did a nice job of contributing all over the court on offense and defense,” said Rosenthal.  “We had Stephanie Rex really holding things down defensively and Megan Stout and Caitlin Dotson really lifted us with their play from the back row.”

For the second straight day, junior outside hitter Kaycee Green led Lipscomb with a match-high 18 kills and was joined in double figures by Jewell Dobson with 11 and Lauren Ford, who finished with 10.  Abby Fay turned in another solid performance with a career-high 54 assists en route to joining Rose on the All-Tournament team.

“I can’t say enough about Abby fay coming up with some timely blocks and obviously, strong play by Kaycee Green with another 18-kill performance,” said Rosenthal. “We got another huge lift by Jordan Huston. She did a remarkable job of getting going and I’m proud of her and what she brought to the table.”

“A lot can be said about this win and when it comes.   At one point today we had four freshmen on the floor and that bodes well for this program and what we’re doing.”

Having fought back from a 2-1 deficit to tie the contest with a win in the fourth set, the Lady Bisons rattled off the first six points of the deciding set with Dotson at the serve and cruised to the 15-10 finish.

"I think kind of looking at closing our pre-conference schedule, one of the things we continue to try to do is play tough competition and this is a great tournament to go out and challenge ourselves,” said Rosenthal.   “These are four teams that are close to the top 100 and this goes to show you that we’re going to go after it.”

Sunday’s match was the first-ever meeting between Lipscomb and Portland and marked the first five-set win of the season for the Lady Bisons.  Lipscomb held a slight advantage in the hitting battle .164 to .148.

The Lady Bisons get little rest after the rugged schedule this weekend hosting Ohio Valley Conference foe Austin Peay on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Allen Arena.