St. John's University Athletics
St. John's University
Ohio (Coca-Cola/MSU Volleyball Invitational)
Ohio Sweeps St. John's, 3-0
9/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 4, 2004
East Lansing, MI (September 4, 2004) - In their final match of the Coca Cola/MSU Volleyball Invitational, the St. John's volleyball team fell to Ohio 3-0 (30-24, 30-23, 30-28). The Red Storm fall to 1-3, (0-0, BIG EAST) while Ohio improves to 2-1.
In game one, aggressive jump serves by Stephanie Blackburn pulled Ohio to an early lead. Early kills by Jackie Ahlers, who had five in the game, helped bring the Red Storm back to within four at 14-10. Senior Co-Captain Yana Ruban put down a solo block against Ohio outside hitter Jennifer Gaughran to regain possession of the ball. After being down 20-13, St. John's stormed back to come within three from aggressive plays at the net, forcing the Bobcats to take a time out. Ohio then went on a late game run with kills by Julia Winkfield to take the game, 30-24.
Big blocks by Ruban and Ahlers helped the Red Storm stay tied with the Bobcats within the first 10 points of the second game. An ace by freshman Elizabeth Austin led St. John's to within three, but Ohio fought back going on a 4-0 run with several aces by Stephanie Blackburn. Late in the game Ruban put down three kills (four game two) against the Ohio defense but it was not enough, as the Bobcats took game two, 30-23.
Down 8-3 in the third game, St. John's rallied back to take the lead at 11-10 with kills by Ahlers and freshman LaToya Blunt. At point 13, Ohio setter Briana Adamovsky served six straight points to retake the lead. Down three late in the game, Ohio's offense made four straight hitting errors to bring the Red Storm on top 28-27. After a late judgment call by the officials giving the possession to Ohio, the Bobcats took game three and the match 30-28.
Ahlers, who was named to the All-Tournament team, recorded 12 kills and Lisa Tedder had 32 assists for the Red Storm.
The Red Storm returns to action on Tuesday, September 7 when they will face Stony Brook in their home opener at Alumni Hall. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
