Lady Bucs succumb to Appy St.

By Seth Bartee
STAR Correspondent
The ETSU Lady Bucs (6-19, 4-9 SoCon) were defeated Tuesday by the Appalachian State Lady Mountaineers (11-14, 9-3 SoCon) three games to zip.
Appy State's ladies front line looked like pine trees armed with cannons. They managed 10 team blocks and 49 kills to beat the Lady Buccaneers 30-22, 30-22 and 30-25.
Coach Devine said that part of ETSU's offensive problem was the absence of injured, freshman, Jen Sartor.
"We had to make some changes in offense tonight to make up for the absence of Jen Sartor," said Devine. "Appy State is a great team but I think Sara Scandiffio did a good job taking her place."
The start saw the Lady Bucs outmatched by a big and agile North Division leading Appy State take the reins early. The Lady Mountaineers broke away early in the first game by hitting hard shots off the Lady Bucs.
Appy State scored six straight points in the first game to make the score 11-4. Led by middle blocker Jackie Jennings, fourth in the SoCon in blocks per game, the Lady Mountaineers shut down ETSU's offense quickly. By the time the Lady Bucs adjusted to Appy States towering front row they had lost the first match 30-22.
Home court advantage can be good when the fans are active. In this case the "Bucs rowdies" helped the Lady Bucs play two more games and stay within reach of Appy St.
ASU jumped out again to an early lead in the second game. Freshman, Kali Rumberger of ASU, started out the game with a point and then dominated the rest of the game with kills.
The crowd rallied the Bucs to within eight of Mountaineers with big hits from outside hitter, senior, Katie Steidle. Even with Steidle's efforts which saw her lead the Lady Bucs with eight kills and eight digs they lost the second match 30-22.
"We got off to a slow start and did not pass well," said Steidle. "I got some good passes and was able to hit the ball well a few times. We struggled in the middle without Jen Sartor."
After halftime was over the Lady Bucs came out stronger. They kept the game close and took the lead for the first time 6-5 in the third match. Karen Freeburg and Sara Scandiffio lead the charge for ETSU in the third game each using their offensive and defensive skills to keep close to ASU. But even with the home court advantage of tough heckling against the Lady Mountaineers, ASU won the final game 30-25.
"It definitely helps and is greatly appreciated to have the fan support whenever we can get it," said Devine.
Appy States, outside hitter, Amy Lewis, who had eight kills on the night said the heckling did not effect their game. Lewis said the crowd did not really bother her and her teammates.
"We got some good digs and passes and that helped us win," said Lewis.
The Lady Bucs will face Western Carolina at home next Tuesday in a conference match up at 6 p.m. in Brooks Gym. The Bucs will be looking to redeem themselves after WCU beat them 3-1 in Cullowhee, N.C., back on Sept. 30.