SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The greatest run in Lee’s rich volleyball history ended on Saturday afternoon when Georgetown College (Ky.) handed the Lady Flames a grinding five-set defeat in the semi-final round of the NAIA National Tournament.
Sixth-seeded Georgetown got off to a quick start by winning the first set 25-16. The Lady Flames completely reversed the score in the second set and put up a 16-25 decision. The Tigers rebounded with a convincing 25-11 win in the third set, but the Lady Flames were not about to go down without a tremendous fight. The fourth set was captured by coach Andrea Hudson’s squad, 19-25, forcing the fifth and deciding set. Georgetown regrouped and advanced to the final with the 15-9 victory.
The Lady Flames entered national tournament play unseeded and advanced out of pool play for the first time every by posting victories over two-time national champion Columbia College (Mo.), Georgetown and Lubbock Christian University.
Again, Lee was given very little hope as the regular 12-team single elimination tournament got underway on Friday, but the Lady Flames captured the attention of the entire nation by eliminating Taylor University (Ind.).
Playing in front of a huge crowd that favored Northwestern College (Iowa), Lee displayed championship form by eliminating the third-seeded Raiders. The victory set up a second showdown with Georgetown, a rivalry that carries back to the old regional days.
While the Lady Flames were turned back in a second attempt against the Tigers, coach Hudson and her staff admitted that this group of young ladies surpassed the staff’s goals. “They told me they wanted to reach the Final Eight,” said Hudson on Friday, “but we were able to advance to the Final Four. It’s been an awesome experience and I’m sure one that our staff and our players will never forget.”
Only three seniors make up the 2009 squad. Milica and Vedrana Krsmanovic plus Gorana Maric have left their marks. However, a strong group of sophomores and juniors paint a bright picture for the future of Lee volleyball.
In Saturday’s defeat, Kayla Carlisle was outstanding with 11 kills and five blocks. Milica Krsmanovic had 10 kills and two blocks. Stephanie Todd countered with eight kills, 23 digs and two blocks. Christa Hutchison added seven kills, five digs and three blocks, while Jacky Toruno contributed six kills and three blocks.
Gretchen Higdon and Kelsey Leffew stood out again with double-doubles. Higdon had 19 assists and 15 digs, while Leffew added 16 assists and 14 digs. Sara Smith joined the dig parade with 19. Vedrana Krsmanovic completed her career with four kills and a pair of blocks.
Georgetown countered with 22 kills from Erica Janszen. She also had 19 digs and three blocks. Alexandra Bertke followed with 13 kills and 15 digs. Amanda Philpot was the assist leader with 44.
The Lady Flames closed the brilliant year with 40 victories against just six defeats, while Georgetown posted its 44th win of the season.