Aug. 26, 2007

BIG RAPIDS - The Lake Superior State volleyball team suffered two close losses on Saturday at the Ferris State Invitational and finished 2-2 during its season-opening weekend.

LSSU dropped 3-1 decisions in matches against Minnesota-Crookston and Alaska-Anchorage. The Golden Eagles won, 30-28, 28-30, 30-26, 30-24, while the Seawolves claimed a 30-28, 24-30, 30-27, 31-29 decision.

LSSU led throughout most of Game 4 against Alaska-Anchorage, but missed a serve with the set tied, 29-29, and went on to lose the match. Laker coach Mark Engle was frustrated that mistakes such as missed serves, reception errors and net violations cost his team throughout the day.

Jamie Groos and Sara Hess totaled 13 kills each, and Ali Jones added nine kills to lead the Lakers against Minnesota-Crookston (2-2). Groos also contributed four aces and 12 digs. Jessica Ewer led in digs with 20. Hess led in blocks with three solos and three assists, followed by Samantha Gibs with one solo and four assists. Setter Erin McLain totaled 26 assists, and back-up Ashley Purvis had 10.

Groos totaled 15 kills, and Jones added 12 against the Seawolves (2-2). McLain finished with 29 assists, and Purvis had 11. Ewer totaled 20 digs, and Hess had four block assists.

The Lakers travel to the Findlay Tournament Aug. 31 and open against Wheeling Jesuit at 3 p.m.