Seawolves find range against LaGrange

ANCHORAGE – Freshman Pasadeanna Aukusitino slammed nine kills and senior Rachael Knecht served seven of UAA's 16 aces as the Seawolves scored a 30-11, 30-24, 30-22 sweep of LaGrange on Friday in the Extended Stay Deluxe Invitational.

UAA (2-4) also got a boost from senior middle blocker Chelsey Jones, who got her first starting assignment of the season and finished with seven kills on eight attacks. Sophomore outside hitter Heather Lyons played solidly all-around once again, coming up with eight kills and a match-high 11 digs.

LaGrange (0-1), an NCAA Div. III team from Georgia, was led by six kills and six digs from Sara Newland.

The Seawolves claimed control early in each game and were never seriously threatened by the Panthers, using a 16-2 advantage in service aces and a .194 to .020 edge in hitting percentage.

UAA freshman Meghan Koizumi saw her first action at setter, coming up with 19 assists, 3 kills, 6 digs and a pair of aces. Koizumi entered late in the first game after starter Tehane Kahalehau left with a mild twisted ankle. Seawolf trainer Christine Volk said the injury is not serious and Kahalehau should be available to play in Friday's late match against Notre Dame de Namur at 7 p.m.

LaGrange will play Briar Cliff at 5 p.m., immediately following Briar Cliff and NDNU.

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Players Mentioned

#8 Pasadeanna Aukusitino: OH/DS; 5' 5"; Freshman

#2 Chelsey Jones: MB; 6' 1"; Senior

#7 Tehane Kahalehau: S; 5' 7"; Freshman

#10 Rachael Knecht: L; 5' 6"; Senior

#6 Meghan Koizumi: S; 5' 8"; Freshman

#1 Heather Lyons: OH; 5' 11"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#8 Pasadeanna Aukusitino
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: OH/DS

#2 Chelsey Jones
: 6' 1"; Senior
: MB

#7 Tehane Kahalehau
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: S

#10 Rachael Knecht
: 5' 6"; Senior
: L

#6 Meghan Koizumi
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: S

#1 Heather Lyons
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: OH