Tuesday, November 01, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Despite an 18-kill, 14-dig performance by senior middle blocker Katie Rose, the Lipscomb volleyball team dropped a 3-2 (16-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-15, 15-11) non-conference decision to homestanding Tennessee State on Tuesday night at Kean Hall in Nashville.

Despite outhitting and outdigging the Tigers, the Lady Bisons were unable to overcome 13 blocking errors more than triple their previous season high of four. 

"Tonight was one of those nights where the stat sheet does not tell the whole story," said Lipscomb head coach Brandon Rosenthal.  "Credit TSU and their defense last night as they came up with plays when it counted most. 

"There are a lot of things that we did well tonight and was pleased with our offense. I was a little surprised that our defensive effort as a team was not there when the sets were on the line.  We made critical mistakes at critical points in the set and that ended up being the crux of the evening."

Junior Kaycee Green finished right behind Rose with 17 kills on the night and was joined in double figures by freshman Lauren Ford, who notched 11.  Sophomore libero Stephanie Rex led the way defensively for Lipscomb with a match high 15 digs.  Shaquita Williams led the Tigers with a 15-kill night in the victory.

"As a team we were 'in the net' more times than we have been all season and I feel some that is just a focus issue," said Rosenthal.  "Either way this will be a great learning experience where we will draw upon to help propel us through the rest of the season.  We fully understand what is at stake as we enter the last couple of weeks of A-Sun play and our team will not only be prepared but will leave it out on the floor as we go through this final stretch."

The Lady Bisons return home to Allen Arena on Friday for “Senior Night” against Kennesaw State at 6:30 p.m.  It will be the final home match for the Lady Bisons before the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament comes to Allen Arena Nov. 17-19.  Lipscomb has already punched a ticket to this year’s conference event.