KUTZTOWN, PA (November 10, 2009) – Moments following the Kutztown University volleyball team's season ending 3-1 defeat to Shippensburg University in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) quarterfinal match at Keystone Hall, KU head coach John Gump embraced senior Katie Miller (Elizabethtown, PA/Elizabethtown) (Elizabethtown/Elizabethtown) in a bear hug and gave her a large red poster. (BOXSCORE)
It was a show of affection and appreciation for a tremendous effort by the Golden Bears Tuesday night. Although, Kutztown lost on its home court to the third-seeded Red Raiders, 26-24, 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, the Golden Bears provided plenty of thrilling highlights and memorable moments en route to finishing with a 16-13 overall record. Making this season even more remarkable was the way Kutztown conquered adversity to finish second in the PSAC Eastern Division.
“The amount of progress we made from the beginning of conference play to the end of the season was remarkable,” Gump said. “When we began the PSAC schedule 0-5, we were looking around and wondering if there was anyone we could beat. To overcome that start and finish second in the conference is a credit to the ladies on this team, who challenged each other and worked hard.”
All of the traits Kutztown displayed in recovering from its tough conference start such as heart, teamwork, tenacity, desire and discipline was on display against Shippensburg in a spirited battle that at times resembled a heavyweight boxing title bout. Players from both teams in sweat-soaked shirts dove onto the brown hardwood floor for loose balls without regard for their bodies. Teams traded spectacular plays and had several long rallies that kept the large crowd riveted.
Sophomore middle hitter Katie Lutz (Greencastle, PA/Greencastle Antrim) (Greencastle/Greencastle-Antrim) paced Kutztown with 10 kills. Whenever the Golden Bears needed a spark, Lutz provided it with a kill that shook Keystone Hall to its core. Sophomore middle hitter Cali Snell (York, PA/York Suburban) (York/York Suburban) contributed eight kills and junior defender Lindsay Confer (Wingate, PA/Bald Eagle) (Wingate/Bald Eagle) finished with seven kills.
Junior libero Jamie Celia (Douglassville, PA/Daniel Boone) (Douglassville/Daniel Boone) hustled and bustled her way to a team-high 20 kills. She was one of three Golden Bears who finished with double-digit kills. Confer added 11 digs and junior outside hitter Kelsey Nester (Catasauqua, PA/Catasauqua) (Catasauqua/Catasauqua) had 10 digs.
The Golden Bears freshman setter tandem of Kimberlee Gomber (Washington, PA/Washington) (Washington/Washington) and Dana Wright (Warminster, PA/Saint Basil Academy) (Warminster/St. Basil Academy) combined for 30 assists. Their development and ability to adapt to the high-level of PSAC competition was another reason why Kutztown finished with a winning record.
“I vividly remember Kimberlee looking like she was going to hyper-ventilate while we are at Mercyhurst,” Gump said. “It is great to see how much Kimberlee and Dana have grown throughout the season and get command of the offense. They are one of the biggest reasons why we were able to earn a home playoff game.”
Facing a fired-up Shippensburg team that was determined to get even for a pair of 3-0 losses to Kutztown during the regular season, the Golden Bears battled. However, Shippensburg rode the brilliant performance of Andrea Heimsoth, who finished with 45 assists, to this weekend's PSAC Final Four at Lock Haven. Shippensburg, which got 13 kills from Kali Antolik, will meet California (Pa.) Friday night beginning at 5 p.m.
A year ago, the Golden Bears missed the playoffs and endured their first losing season in a long time. This year, the frowns were replaced with many good moments, including the program's 500th victory. Overall, every member of the Golden Bears had a hand in helping Kutztown enjoy a strong season.
“This was a great season for us,” Miller said. “Of course, we're disappointed with this result but we had so many good things we can take from this year. We were excited to finish second in the regular season. Tonight's effort says a lot about our team. I am going to miss being around the team, the bonding and everything about playing at Kutztown.”
Kutztown did everything possible to extend Miller's career. The Golden Bears constructed leads of 16-9 and 19-13, in the fourth game, but they were unable to hold off Shippensburg's charge.
“When you lose two games by two points, there isn't a lot separating the teams,” Gump said. “There are some plays we'd like to have back, but Shippensburg played really well. We are disappointed but not discouraged.”
--KU--
