WMU volleyball beats Arizona State University

By Chelsea VanderWoude
Western Herald

If there was any doubt about the Broncos’ talent this season, it has been dismissed.

On Aug. 27, the Western Michigan University women’s volleyball team battled their way to a historical win in Daytona, Ohio at the Flyer Classic.

Their opponent?

National powerhouse Arizona State University.

The women made Bronco fans proud with a 3-1 win (25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 25-20).

Leading the team was sophomore Jessica Brown, who dominated the court with 16 kills and three blocks.

Trailing behind was fellow middle blocker Ashley Turnage with 11 kills and three blocks.

Junior setter Sam Viox stepped up with an impressive 50 assists.

“Sam did a great job of distributing the ball and involving all of her hitters to keep ASU off balance,” said head coach Colleen Munson.

Viox also aided the team with six digs and three blocks.

Candidate for the Lowe’s CLASS Award, Allyson Doyle, had a great showing that night as well, after dominating the court with a double-double.

With 10 kills, 10 digs and three blocks, no one can deny this senior’s impact on the court.

Showing off the incoming talents, freshman Lena Oliver and Gillian Asque made their presence known.

Oliver, the team’s libero, made 24 digs while outside hitter Asque added 16 more, in addition to eight kills.

The women have officially started off their season with a bang.

From incredible defense to impeccable leadership, the Broncos owned the court.

“We knew this team had a lot of potential, but they had to see it against someone other than themselves in practice,” Munson said.

The team also did very well in the alumni match held on Aug. 21.

The new group of women beat the set of former Broncos, 4-0.

Middle blocker Turnage stepped up by leading the team in kills and solo blocks.

Viox also chipped in 36 assists.

Freshman Terin Norris showed off her skills with 14 assists as well.  Oliver gave her all with 28 digs.

The early success of the Broncos could be seen from a mile away.

From pre-season awards to a nationally ranked recruiting class, this team has the potential to make this season a great one.

Coach Munson and the Broncos have already shown their potential by starting off the season making history.

The win against Arizona State University was the team’s first win against a school from the Pacific-10 Conference.

WMU volleyball had previously been 0-10 against the Pac-10.

The women have truly shown us a glimpse of things to come this season.  With their talent and dedication, this Bronco volleyball team could be legendary.

Be sure to support the team at their home opener on Aug. 31 at 7:00 p.m. against Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Aug 29 2010. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com