2008 Woodie Awards
Gorillas 'black-out' Southern 3-0
Curtis Thom/Collegio Reporter
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Sports
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Not only was the game against the Lions a conference rivalry, it was also "Pack the Weede" night at John Lance Arena.
The Gorillas battled the Lions to a 15-12 lead, and fed off nine kills collectively from sophomore striker Pamela Cartagena and junior striker Sammie Williams to clinch the first game 30-25.
After jumping to a 10-7 lead in the second game, it was Cartagena who once again led the offensive strike by striking home three kills on the way to taking the second match 30-27.
Southern, which was near the bottom of the MIAA entering the game at 15-14, proved to be a formidable opponent for the Gorillas, battling them point for point in the third set.
Following a block from junior Linda Igbinigie, Cartagena and Williams grouped together once more to finish off the Lions 30-27, and sweeping them in three straight sets.
Sammie Williams said that playing in front of the large crowd was an uplifting experience, and gave the Gorillas an extra gear.
"It's great to look in the stands and to see all the people supporting you, we've got great fans here at PSU and it's always great to have those fans here giving us an extra boost," said Williams, who finished with 17 kills.
Pamela Cartagena led the way, clocking home 18 kills. Freshman Meagan Montis took advantage of her playing time to strike for 10 kills, and setters junior Emily Vosseler and senior Sarah Brannock combined for 41 assists.
Head coach Ibraheem Suberu said that the Gorillas are poising themselves for a big run.
"Right now we are kicking into another gear, and we're taking every match as a playoff match and the girls have responded," said Suberu.
Having Montis play a pivotal role in the Gorillas' victory, Williams said, gives the team and extra advantage over other teams.
"It's a great advantage to have coach to be able to look down the bench and put anyone on the floor and have them be productive," said Williams. "Whenever you have that depth, it also pushes the other players to practice and play hard at all times, because those girls are vying for playing times and it keeps us on our toes and playing well."
Despite coming away with a victory, the Gorillas are operating at half strength, according to Williams.
"We're dealing with some injuries right now, but I know that they're going to bounce back," said Williams with an ice bag tapped to her left ankle. "It's good that we're getting healthy now and poising ourselves for a playoff run full strength."
The Gorillas, who moved to 24-7, travel to Fort Hays for the next game on Saturday, Nov. 3, before entering the MIAA Conference Tournament.
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