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20 November 2006

Gamecocks Block Their Way Past SEMO,
into NCAA Tournament

Jacksonville State defeated 17 of its 18 Ohio Valley Conference volleyball opponents this season with a hard-hitting offense and great passing. The Gamecocks used defense to win the match that — so far — has mattered most.

Top-seeded JSU registered 11 blocks Saturday to win its second consecutive OVC_Tournament_title with a 3-0 victory over sixth-seeded Southeast Missouri State at Pete Mathews Coliseum.

The victory earned Jacksonville State (24-4) a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

The selection show announcing matchups and locales for the tournament is scheduled to air at 1:30 p.m. next Sunday on "ESPN News."

“I think (defense) really starts in the back row,” said JSU coach Rick Nold, whose team topped SEMO 30-25, 31-29, 30-24. “Our defensive players were doing a great job, and that puts so much more pressure on a hitter to go try and put a ball away.

“Obviously our blockers were able to step in and put more pressure on them. I thought, team-wise, defense was the key to the game.”

Despite a defensive showing that held the Redhawks (16-18) to a combined .059 hitting percentage, JSU never led by more than seven points throughout the match, largely because of a shaky service attack that gave up several points.

“We missed quite a few serves,” Nold said. “A good team finds a way to win games when everything isn't going so well. You have to improvise a little bit.

“That's something that's been with this team all year. When somebody puts pressure on them, they stepped up and made a run.”

For Saturday's final, Nold wore the same blue shirt he wore for last year's five-game finale against Eastern Kentucky.

“Oh, it was very intentional,” Nold said. “I've always been very superstitious with little things. I bought a new blue shirt that I'd been wearing, but for the championship game, I had to go back to the old one.

“It worked last year; might as well try it again.”

See story at The Anniston Star's website: www.annistonstar.com .

Note: JSU faculty, staff and students may access The Anniston Star online through their affiliation with the University. Those not affiliated with JSU may have to subscribe to receive The Anniston Star online. If you already subscribe to The Anniston Star, you receive a complimentary online membership. This provides complete access to all the content and services of the site at no additional charge. Otherwise there is a $5 online monthly charge for their online service. Contact The Anniston Star for information.


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