CLARION, PA (November 12, 2010) – The heart in which the Kutztown University women's volleyball team has shown all year was put on display Friday night as the Golden Bears battled through three sets but fell to Clarion in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) semifinals. (BOXSCORE)
Inside a packed Tippin Gym, the Golden Bears (21-11) proved once again, that they deserved to be playing deep into the postseason. Kutztown battled back in multiple occurrences and kept Clarion on their toes all game.
In front of a once roaring crowd, KU silenced the arena after tying the game at 15-15 in the first set off a block from junior Erin Kissling (York, PA/Central York). KU continued to play hard to take a 20-18 lead, but were unable to hold off Clarion's counter attack.
“The girls have played hard all year,” said head volleyball coach John Gump. “We've continued to work hard throughout the season and there's been times when that hard work has allowed us to get back in matches. It is one of the main reasons we've been successful this year.”
In the preseason polls, Kutztown was picked to finish fourth in the PSAC. The 2010 Golden Bears surpassed these expectations by finishing second in the division and winning an astonishing 21 games, including a 9-1 record at home.
“This season has exceeded my expectations,” said Gump. “To be in competition for the division title going into the last week in the season, to be back in the regional rankings for the last month, and to have advanced to the semifinals, this has been a great year for this program.”
Winning 21 games brings a certain level of confidence to a team; a level that brings out the best in each one of its players. Kutztown's ability to perform under pressure and remain focused has played a significant part in allowing the Golden Bears to compete at a high level each and every night.
“They've been tremendous,” said Gump when asked about the play of his five seniors. “It has finally come full circle for these girls. They made it to the regional playoffs their freshmen year and got a taste of what postseason play is all about. They have worked hard and have set an example of what we want our program and players to be.”
“Those girls are my best friends,” said Celia. “I couldn't have asked for anything more out of this group of girls. KU volleyball will always be something we hang onto.”
Fellow senior Confer has had a season to remember, as she sketched her name in the KU history books earlier this season. On Oct. 16, Confer became the sixth player in school history to surpass 1,000 kills for her career. Confer finished the season with 252 kills.
It is impossible to say that KU wasn't looking to win Friday night's game. But when looking back on this year's season, the KU players could not be any happier of the overall result.
“We set out to win the (PSAC) East this year,” said Celia when commenting on the 2010 season. “We finished second but beat the team that finished first, so it feels like a win to us. As much as we set goals in the beginning of the season, it's so much better to actually achieve those goals. This has been nothing but a success for us.”
--KU--
