Oct. 28, 2006

Orem, Utah - Utah Valley State overcame a slow start to roll past North Dakota State in four games (13-30, 30-28, 20-24, 30-16) on Saturday at the Shurian Family Activity Center.

"I was a little worried after that slow start. That's the worst game I could have imagined for us," said UV head coach Sam Atoa. "But that the girls put that behind them was huge. Our focus was to worry about what's next and not about the mistakes...about what we're going to do now."

NDSU dominated the opener, winning by 17 points matching the biggest single-game loss of the season for the Wolverines. Arizona State beat Utah Valley by the same 30-13 score on August 26th.

NDSU hit .419 in the opening game while the Bison's Lindsay Rogers combined on four block assists, holding UV to just a -.065 hitting percentage.

The Wolverines shook off the slow start, gaining control of game two mid-way through with a 19-12 lead. But North Dakota State used 16-5 run that had the Bison just two points away from a commanding two games to none lead.

From there Utah Valley changed the entire momentum of the match by reeling off six straight points with two kills from Jessica Endres and one from Lacee Koelliker to even the match at one win apiece.

"It was huge to be down after controlling most of that game and then go on that roll," said Atoa. "Our defense gave us the momentum and got us going in game three for sure."

Utah Valley carried the momentum from game two into game three, jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead. NDSU kept it close until a 5-0 run put the Wolverines up 21-16.

Once again though the Bison would answer, using a quick spurt to take a short 23-22 lead on a Lindsay Rogers kill. But it was another late game charge that led UV to the win thanks to two kills each from Endres and Camie Manwill.

Game four was identical to game one, with the one exception being the Wolverines on the plus side of the score. A 12-1 run separated them from the Bison and Utah Valley rolled to a 30-16 blowout in the finale.

Manwill led the Wolverines with 18 kills with Endres adding 14 kills. Lacee Koelliker had 42 assists and also contributed six kills for UV.

The Bison had four players reaching double figures in kills. Sheila Parrish led the way with 14 while Rogers had 13, Chloe Quirk chipped in 12 and Christy Stuewe had 10.

Utah Valley was strong again defensively, with a season high 13 team blocks in the match. Brooke Adams combined on seven block assists while Endres and Koelliker were in on five each.

The win evens the season series at 1-1 and avenges a 3-1 loss to the Bison on October 14th on the road. Both teams are participating in the D-I Independent Championships in Fargo, North Dakota on November 10-11.

The Wolverines will close out the regular season next weekend beginning with a matchup against Montana State on Friday at 7pm. Senior Night will be Saturday against fellow D-I Independent Texas-Pan American.