Bulldog Volleyball Moves On With Win In NCAA Tourney

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball team advanced to the semifinal round of the 2012 NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Tournament with a 3-1 triumph over Lewis (Ill.) on Thursday (Nov. 29) night in the final regional quarterfinal at Indianapolis, Ind.

With the win, the fifth-seeded Bulldogs advance and will face top-seeded host Indianapolis on Friday (Nov. 30) night with match time set for 7:30 p.m. (ET) at the Ruth Lily Center in Indianapolis.

The Bulldogs took the first two sets over the fourth-seeded Flyers by scores of 27-25 and 25-16 before Lewis rebounded to win set three by a 25-22 count.  In the fourth set, the Bulldogs trailed late, but used a big run to come back and record a 25-23 win to put the match away.

FSU improved to 24-7 overall this season with the win to keep its season alive in the single-elimination NCAA Tournament.  Lewis saw its season come to a close with a 26-11 mark after FSU avenged an earlier 3-2 setback to the Flyers in regular-season action.

Senior middle hitter Anne Sutton had one of her best matches of the year with a match-high 20 kills in leading the Bulldogs.  Junior middle hitter Angi Kent also had a big night with 11 kills for FSU.

Ferris State received 50 assists from senior setter Samantha Fordyce to go with 14 digs from the Bulldog veteran.  Meanwhile, junior libero Brandie Merren had 25 digs, senior defensive specialist Paige Wyers added 20 digs, sophomore outside hitter Courtney Rehm tallied 16 digs and senior outside hitter Aly Brecht posted 10 digs in the victory.

Lewis was led by Carly Perschnick's team-high 19 kills.  Jen Krumwiede added 17 kills and Colleen Mitros added 10 kills in the season-ending loss.  Krumwiede totaled 23 digs, Mitros had 22 digs, Amy Choi netted 18 digs, Leigh Barea posted 12 digs and Cassidy Parsons contributed 11 digs for the Flyers.  Barea led the offense with 46 assists.

Ferris State hit .192 for the night with 55 kills and the Bulldogs also recorded 95 digs, five total team blocks along with seven service aces and nine service errors.

Meanwhile, Lewis finished with 59 kills on a .202 attack percentage.  The Flyers had 106 digs, nine team blocks, three aces and eight service errors.

The Bulldogs will play the second regional semifinal on Friday night with sixth-seeded Hillsdale taking on seventh-seeded Ashland in the opening match at 5 p.m. (ET).

FSU is midst its 17th all-time NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.

Fans can watch the live action online by visiting the official NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Tournament website at the link below.  Live internet statistics and a live video webcast will both be available.

http://athletics.uindy.edu/sports/2012/11/20/WVBALL_1120120644.aspx