BOX SCORE
COLUMBUS, Ohio-In a rematch of the 2008 OAC Quarterfinal classic that went the distance, the Capital volleyball team upended Mount Union 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-22) for their first win over the Purple Raiders since a 3-0 home victory of the Purple and Black on October 8, 2005.
"The senior leadership we had was very apparent tonight," head coach Pam Briggs said. "That was the best we have ever played as a team this season. We knew it was going to be a very tough game, and we came prepared to play. Playing a tough schedule earlier in the year has really prepared us for how to battle adversity and come back in matches."
With the win, Capital remains in first place in the OAC with a 13-9 overall record a 2-0 mark in conference play. Mount Union fell to 13-3 overall and 1-1 in OAC action.
The Crusaders were led by the continued strong play of senior setter Jenna Zumberger (DeGraff, Ohio/Fairlawn HS). She finished with 37 assists and 12 digs for her fifth consecutive match with double digits in digs.
One of the main cogs in the Crusaders' comeback after falling in the first set was sophomore Emily Heitmeyer (Ottawa, Ohio/ Ottawa Glandorf HS), who led CU with 13 kills and 14.5 points on the night.
A major key in Capital's 25-17 win in the second set was senior Sarah Gallik (Chagrin Fall, Ohio/Kenston HS), who notched four kills in that set and had 10 for the match.
Classmate Jennifer Fekpe (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson HS) carried Gallik's momentum into the third set, with five kills (13 for the match, while leading Capital with a .333 hitting percentage) to put CU head 2-1 heading into the fourth set. Fekpe finished second on the team in scoring with 13 points.
"Our game plan was to engage our outside hitters. They knew that they were going to play a big role tonight, and they didn't blink out there and really stepped up," Briggs said.
Freshman Leanne Schaefer (Verona, Wisconsin/Verona HS) continued her solid play of late by netting four kills in the decisive fourth set (she totaled eight for the match), as Capital reeled off the match's final three points after a timeout was called with both teams tied at 22 in the fourth set. Schaefer also compiled 11.5 points and led the Crusaders with three service aces.
"I told the team (during the timeout) that we're in the red zone, we're in our house, and that's it's time to ring the bell," Briggs said.
Senior Sara Doebel (Clyde, Ohio/Clyde HS) again spearheaded CU's defense, leading the team with 17 digs, while Allison Hostetler (Dalton, Ohio/Dalton HS) notched 14 digs and was one of five Crusaders in double digits in scoring with 11 points.
"Every OAC game is big, but the girls knew and had the confidence that they could get this game," Briggs said. "We need to keep playing as a unit and utilizing our game plan on the court."
Capital, who has now won seven of their last nine matches, had a 55-44 advantage in kills for the match. The Crusaders will continue OAC action with a match at Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.