The Red and Black

By JOSH KATZOWITZ The Red & Black

The beginning of the first game Wednesday at the Ramsey Center could prove to be analogous of the way the season goes for the Georgia volleyball team.

The Lady Bulldogs were down 4-2 to an inferior Southwest Missouri State team, and the 678 fans might have felt the first twinges of nervousness as they reflected on recent losses against a squad of volleyball alumni and Clemson.

But the Lady Dogs capitalized on great serving by junior Mindi Westfall and went on an 8-0 run to take both the game (15-13) and the eventual match 3-0.

After the Bears went on a 5-0 run in the second game, the Lady Dogs rebounded by scoring seven straight points to win 15-9.

The Lady Dogs easily prevailed in the final game, going on a 10-1 run and ending the night on a service ace by freshman Kristine Keese before slamming the Bears 15-6.

Now the Lady Dogs look to go on a run on their opponents.

"Tonight was another step forward," head coach Jim Iams said. "But it will take a while before we're firing on all cylinders."

Junior Rebecca Dady led the Lady Dogs with 15 kills, while freshman Stacy Buerger continued to play well, digging out 13 balls. Westfall also contributed to the three-game sweep with 41 assists.

Added to the mix was the solid play of freshman Keese, who platooned with junior Cassie Brill at middle blocker throughout the match.

"I was nervous (Wednesday)," said Keese, who recorded a kill, a service ace and three digs. "But I love playing at this level of competition."

Unfortunately for Georgia, the Lady Dogs were without senior outside hitter Allison Dickinson, who went down with a knee injury on Wednesday at Clemson. Iams said he fears Dickinson might be lost for the season and that an MRI is scheduled for Tuesday.

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