Post-Game Interviews from Coppin game
BALTIMORE—The UMBC volleyball team split its opening two
games of the 2010 season as the Retrievers competed in Day One of
the Battle of Baltimore Friday at the RAC Arena. UMBC (1-1)
defeated Coppin State (0-6), 3-0, before falling to Loyola (3-2),
3-0 in the night cap.
In the first match of the season, the Retrievers outhit the
Eagles, .238 to -0.103 on their way to a 3-0 sweep, 25-16, 25-9 and
25-11. Freshman Ali Goc (Oshawa,
Ontario, Canada/R.S. McLaughlin Collegiate) made an immediate
impact in her debut, earning 12 kills against one error, while
junior Iman
Kennedy (Charlotte, N.C./Independence) hit .429 with eight
kills and five assisted blocks.
Junior setter Allie Spaay
(Kenosha, Wisc./Kenosha Tremper) earned her 700th career assist and
recorded a game-high 24 assists. Freshman Hallie
Carter (Huntington Beach, Calif./Edison) finished with a
game-high 14 digs.
"It was a good first match for us," head coach Ian Blanchard
said. "Coppin's an athletic team but we played to a higher level.
We passed well, distributed the ball well and pressured them with
our serve."
UMBC recorded 15 aces to just one Eagle ace. Freshman Mallory
McIntyre (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada/St. Mary's Academy) led
with five, while senior Sabrina Hoeks
(Olympia, Washington/AG West Black Hills) and Goc each had
four.
In the second match, the Retrievers pressured the Greyhounds in
every set, but fell 25-20, 27-25 and 25-23. Loyola outkilled UMBC,
41-34 and outhit the Retrievers .202 to .139.
Kennedy had nine kills, while freshman Emily
Vandegrift (Leesburg, Va./Loudoun County) hit .385 with six
kills with just one error. Carter had a game-high 16 digs, while
Spaay added 29 assists.
"We had our chances, especially in the second and third sets,
but made some crucial mistakes," Blanchard said. "We need to play
with more composure and not miss serves and attacks after (the game
gets to) 22 points."
The Retrievers conclude the Battle of Baltimore Saturday at
Morgan State, when they play Towson at 11 a.m. and the host Bears
at 7 p.m.
