WEST CHESTER, PA (October 19, 2010) – Katie Lutz transformed Kutztown University's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division match against West Chester University into a block party.
Lutz shut down the net, controlled the middle and finished with a career-high 20 blocks, including 17 block assists, to help Kutztown pull out an incredibly thrilling, 3-2, victory over the Golden Rams Tuesday evening at Hollinger Fieldhouse. In a match that entertained fans for over two hours, Kutztown prevailed, 24-26, 28-26, 25-21, 23-25, 15-9, to extend its winning streak to four. (BOXSCORE)
The 17 block assists are the most in a KU match since Krystalee George had 12 block assists in 2006 against St. Leo on October 7. Jenn Stocker (2004) and Jessie Didier (2001) also had 12 block assists in a single game during the last 10 years.
For the Golden Bears (18-7 overall, 8-7 PSAC East) this was a sweet payback for a 3-0 setback on September 25. Lutz enjoyed the game of her life. She was so dominant that Lutz had more block assists than West Chester (16-9, 5-9). The Golden Rams had 14 block assists.
“She was incredible,” Kutztown University volleyball coach John Gump said. “In the first match, we couldn't stop their middles and they just dominated. Tonight it was different and Lutz set the tone for us. This is a huge win and for us to go on the road and get a crucial win against a team that's right behind you is a credit to the team.”
While Lutz was a one-woman wrecking crew, she had plenty of help. Kutztown finished with an amazing 40 block assists. Erin Kissling played a huge role finishing with a team-high 16 kills, 19 digs and eight block assists. Lindsay Confer continued her stellar play by adding 15 kills, six digs and four block assists.
Jamie Celia also recorded 19 digs. Kimberlee Gomber handed out 28 assists. Cali Snell(nine kills) and Cait Hess (eight kills) also made their presence felt during the match.
Like many parties, the Golden Bears celebrated long after the gathering on the court ended. Lutz's dynamic blocks to the brown hardwood floor was the entertainment and the KU fans along with her teammates provided a sweet soundtrack with a bunch of “oohs and ahhs.” The only thing missing was the aroma of burgers and chicken being grilled.
“We were really ready for this match,” Lutz said. “We wanted to show West Chester that we were a completely different team from when they saw us the last time. We were ready to outplay them. It sounds funny, but it's always been my dream to play against Michelle Powers. Today, I got the opportunity and made the most of my chance. She is really awesome, but I was pumped for the challenge.”
Powers did finish with 14 kills, but she was non-factor around the net as she finished with four blocks.
Everybody's best was needed as the Golden Bears and Golden Rams put on a high-quality display of thrill-a-second volleyball. In each of the first four games, the teams were tied at 20-20. Kutztown bounced back after losing the first game to take the next two before West Chester showed its resolve and forced a decisive game.
Since falling behind 2-0 to California two weeks ago, the Golden Bears have improved significantly. They rallied and eventually dropped a 3-2 decision to the Vulcans, but lately KU has been on fire. Everything seems to be falling neatly in place for Kutztown. The defense is tighter, the communication is better and the trust is stronger. The effort has shown in the win column where KU has taken down Lock Haven and West Chester in the space of five days.
“Our practices have been focused and we've accomplished a lot during that time,” Lutz said. “We take direction well and we have great coaches. We're working together. Our defense and blocking has been really good. So that combination has been major for us and we're feeding off each other.”
Even the schedule offers Kutztown a reward for its recent strong performances. The Golden Bears will take a 10-day break before returning to the rigors of the PSAC schedule. Kutztown travels to Shippensburg on Friday, October 29 for a 7 p.m. showdown against the Red Raiders. The Golden Bears have their sights locked on hosting a home game as either the regular season champions or the No. 2 seed on Tuesday, November 9.
--KU--
