Oct. 1, 2007

Results

ASTON, PA- Two PAC undefeated teams squared off on Monday night at Bruder Gymnasium, as the Neumann Knights (5-0) hosted Misericordia University (5-0) in women's volleyball action.  With first place on the line, the Knights brought their "A" game and Knight Fans brought their brooms, as Neumann swept Misericordia in three games. Proud of how her girls played Coach Jespersen had great things to say about her team.

"We prepared for a tough match up but I can't say enough about how the girls came together as a team tonight. I've never seen them mesh so well. We peaked at the right time and kept our errors to a minimum which played a huge part in our victory."

Taking an early 6-0 lead in game one the Knights never looked back, going on to win the match 30-11.  Rachael Sokolovich (Media, Pa. /Ridley) and Ashley Mathis (Norristown,Pa./Norristown) had four kills each and Kristen Verone (Folsom, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara) tallied 11 assists.  Winning game one with ease, the girls carried their momentum into game two; and never let it go.

If there was one play that showcased how bad Neumann wanted this game it came in game two with the Knights leading 7-5.  Michelle DiCicco from Misericorida, fired a ball into Neumann territory which deflected off Neumann's Meghan Wilson.  With the ball heading to no-man's land and a chance for the Cougars to cut into the 7-5 Neumann lead, Melissa Haines (Brookhaven, Pa./Sun Valley) did her best Inspector Gadget impression and found a way to send it back into Cougar territory.  The Knights came back to win the point and the match 30-13.

Neumann once again jumped out to an early 7-1 lead.  However, Misericorida battled back knotting the game at 11-11. Similar to games one and two when Misericorida showed any signs of life, the Knights answered and this time Julia Tarloski (Malvern, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) came to the rescue. With two big kills in game three, Tarloski finished the night with seven and helped put the Cougars away 30-17. 

The team, the fans, and even Coach Jespersen have plenty to be excited about as Neumann (13-8, 6-0 PAC) will host non-conference rival Wiedner University this Saturday at 12:00 p.m.

"I have never been more proud or excited about the way this team played tonight." Jespersen adds.

If tonight is any indication of what the future may hold for the Knights, excited might just be an understatement.