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LC opens FC play by knocking off No. 22-ranked UGF
The Lewis-Clark State College women’s volleyball team gave first-year coach Jen Greeny a Frontier Conference debut she will long cherish.
Led by a balanced attack that featured five players posting at least six kills, the Warriors stunned No. 22-ranked University of Great Falls 30-18, 30-27, 30-16 in the conference opener for both team before 600 fans at LCSC Activity Center on Thursday night.
The Warriors, 7-2, overall dominated the first and third games and rallied from a 7-1 deficit in the second game to sweep the defending conference champions.
“I thought we came out and played a fantastic match and let them make the mistakes,” Greeny said. “I know Great Falls did not play well, but I thought it was definitely a group effort on our side.”
Junior Cintia Alessi led the Warriors with 10 kills and 17 digs, while Julie Maciboba added seven kills. Austyn Lewis, Brittney Kubik, and Anile Clemente had six kills apiece.
“This is so exciting,” Alessi said. “I think we are working so hard and we have a good team. We have good chemistry and we get along well. I think all of that helped us win the match. We’ve been working so hard that we deserve it. We just have to keep working hard.”
Feeding off one of the largest crowds in recent years, the Warrior jumped out to a 13-3 lead in the first game with Alessi, Lewis and Kubik setting the tone early. Great Falls cut the margin to 31-14, but the Warriors scored six of the next eight points and captured the win.
In the second game, the Argos led early before LCSC rallied to tie it at 16-16. The Warriors took their first lead at 21-20, but Great Falls tied it at 24-24. An ace by Lisa Davis sparked a 3-1 run for LCSC and Warriors prevailed in the second game.
LCSC then rolled in the third game, leading 17-5 early and then 27-10.
For the match, LCSC hit .288, compared to .048 for the Argo. LCSC also outblocked UGF 12-6.
Mindy Meyer led LCSC with 16 assists, while Davis added 14 along with 10 digs. Lindsay Scott had 13 digs, while Kubik had four blocks.
Carlina Hapke led UGF with 10 kills, Cali Buck added nine and Samantha Bull had eight. Kari Schiller had 20 digs.
Despite its record, Great Falls appeared to be battled tested with six matches against NAIA Top 25 teams.
LCSC resumes play on Saturday when it plays host to Montana State-Northern at 2 p.m.
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