Home game conference winning streak ends for volleyball

Zachary Donohue
State Hornet
Published October 15, 1999

The 16 inter-conference home game win streak came crashing to an end as the Hornets succumbed to University of Montana in five games 11-15, 4-15, 15-4, 12-15, 9-15. It was their first home conference loss since Oct. 18, 1997.

Montana took an early hold on the Hornets and didn't let go until the third game when the Hornets found their rhythm and won the next two games. The team caught fire as they went up 5-0 in the third game that they eventually won 15-4. It was at the final tie-braking match where Sac State couldn't muster up enough of a comeback to steal the victory from the visiting Grizzlies.

Montana recorded more total blocks, digs and offensive scoring attempts than the Hornets. That proved to be the difference in the match.

Four Montana players finished the night with over 20 digs. Yet, it was Hornet senior outside hitter Angela Lewis that led all players with 33 digs.

The loss put the team 11-8 in overall play and 5-4 in the Big Sky Conference.

"We had way too many unforced errors and were overconfident for this game," head coach Debby Colberg said. "We made a good comeback, but a comeback isn't easy for any team that goes down two games to zero."

The audience of 221 fans helped keep the team pumped, especially in the fourth game when the crowd shook the Hornet nest with a deafening drum hitting, bleacher thumping, hand clapping beat.

It was the Green Thunder student cheering section that provided the most support for the Hornets and much distraction for the Grizzlies throughout the match.

The team will hope to improve itself when they play at Saint Mary's on Tuesday Oct. 19 and at Montana State on Friday Oct. 22. The Hornets won't be back at home until Oct. 28 against Portland State.

As far as the team morale being thrown from this game, coach Colberg thinks differently.

"These players tend to be ones with good attitudes that tend to bounce back."