ANCHORAGE ? The Seawolf volleyball team gave its fans a rousing 2007 home debut Friday night, scoring the final four points of the match to pull out a 30-28, 23-30, 30-26, 24-30, 15-11 victory over Armstrong Atlantic State at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.
Rhea Cardwell led the way for Alaska Anchorage (3-2) with match-highs of 18 kills and 26 digs, while fellow junior outside hitter Joanna Johnson tallied 16 kills and 16 digs.
AASU (2-4) got a sterling performance from outside hitter Rindy Vidovich, whose 15 kills, 12 digs and 10 total blocks were just the third triple-double in the Savannah, Ga., school's storied volleyball history. The Pirates, who are coming off eight straight 20-win seasons, suffered their third 5-game loss of the year already.
The Seawolves, who made their premiere on the brand-new WFSC hardcourt, also got a double-double from junior outside hitter Rachel Kidwell, who finished with 11 kills and 15 digs.
Tied at 11-11 in the fifth game, UAA took the lead for good on a kill by senior middle blocker Kim Stolk (7 kills, 6 total blocks), then took advantage of consecutive AASU attack errors to earn match point. Kidwell line-drived her only ace of the night for the winning point.
“I was really impressed with another 5-game match where our players really hung tough and fought,” said UAA head coach Michelle Earl. “I think Rhea just took over Game 3. She just is a solid, all-around, go-to player. She really helped us defensively and offensively.”
Cardwell was unstoppable in the third frame, hitting .600 (6 kills, 0 errors, 10 attempts), making six digs and putting up a solo block.
Game 1 featured 12 ties and seven lead changes, with the Seawolves scoring the final two points on a kill and then an ace from junior middle blocker Jessica Morehouse (7 kills, 4 block assists).
“Tonight showed that we still have some things to work on, especially our blocking,” said Earl, whose team was outblocked 15-11. “Also our serving, although they really helped us a lot with their serving.”
UAA was out-aced 9-4 by the Pirates, but the visitors committed 20 service errors to just nine for the home team.
Sophomore setter Milica Micovic dished 46 assists and made 15 digs, and junior libero Cristal Negron had 13 digs.
“I'm just thrilled and excited. Our defense is great, and this was a terrific way to start off the season at home on this brand-new court.”
The Seawolves and Pirates meet again for UAA's final non-conference match of the season, Saturday at 7 p.m. at the WFSC.
