LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (September 8, 2009) – Kutztown sophomore Lindsey Smith (Hanover, PA/Delone Catholic) made a vow immediately following the Golden Bears' final contest last year that cemented KU's first losing season in seven years: It wasn't going to happen again.
Smith dedicated herself and transformed herself into the “Marathon Woman” during a summer of discontent. So far, after four matches, including Tuesday's 3-0 victory over host Lincoln (Pa.) University at Manuel Rivero Hall, Smith and the Golden Bears are quickly erasing last season's nightmare. Kutztown won, 25-5, 25-15, 25-11.
Kutztown improved to 3-1 overall on the season while Lincoln dropped to 2-4.
Smith led the way with a career best 12 servicing aces. Overall, KU registered a season-high 29 serving aces in its first road contest of the season, a trip to the rolling hills of Southern Chester County.
“It was tough last year going through that because as a freshman, it was like we were the reason for the losing season,” Smith said. “This summer, I ran six miles everyday and when I came back to school, I felt like I was in the best shape of my life.”
Smith feels like a different woman. During practices, she's able to continuously go non-stop for long periods of time. Smith's stamina is better. Moreover, she's happier than a kid trapped inside of Chocolate World with all of the weapons that KU can deploy to defeat teams this season.
Smith provided the fuel and energy Kutztown needed to overcome a sluggish beginning to the third game. Lincoln zoomed to a quick 5-0 advantage before Smith calmed things down by recording five consecutive aces to quiet a boisterous crowd. Following Smith's burst, the Golden Bears closed out the victory with poise and confidence.
“We needed something at that point to spark us,” Smith said. “So I was glad I was able to do that. I think we are so much better than last year. Everybody is focused and we are all working hard.”
Smith had plenty of help as veteran KU coach John Gump received contributions from everybody. Katie Miller (Elizabethtown, PA/Elizabethtown) and Kelsea Ashworth (Carlisle, PA/Carlisle) each finished with a team-high five kills. The freshman duo of Kimberlee Gomber (Washington, PA/Washington) and Dana Wright (Warminster, PA/Saint Basil Academy) combined for 19 assists. Overall, eight KU players finished with at least two service aces. Kutztown had 12 service aces in the first game and had 10 in the third game after falling behind, 5-0.
The Golden Bears are deep, experienced and motivated. That should pay off when KU begins PSAC play.
Lincoln's leader was Noel Webster, who finished with a team-high four kills and two blocks.
Kutztown returns to action this weekend when it hosts the Kutztown Challenge. KU will meet Felician College Friday night at 5:00 p.m. Lincoln hosts Philadelphia Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
