Lyle-Pacelli used a strong serving game and some strategically placed balls by middle hitters Laura Nelson and Joni Sheedy Thursday night to stay undefeated in Southeastern Conference play, picking up a 15-6, 15-5, 15-12 win over Glenville-Emmons at the Pacelli gym.

Friday, September 15, 2000

Lyle-Pacelli used a strong serving game and some strategically placed balls by middle hitters Laura Nelson and Joni Sheedy Thursday night to stay undefeated in Southeastern Conference play, picking up a 15-6, 15-5, 15-12 win over Glenville-Emmons at the Pacelli gym.

"We actually go eight or nine players deep when it comes to serving," L/P co-coach Norm Blaser said. "We’re a good serving team; we’ve got some kids who can hit the ball hard for a lot of aces."

Nobody finished with more than three aces for L/P Thursday, but Nelson’s solid play at the net – she finished with nine kills, four blocks and three service aces - kept Glenville-Emmons back on its heels all night.

With Nelson on the bench in the third game, the Wolverines slowly cut a 12-5 L/P lead to 14-12. Glenville-Emmons’ big hitter Aly Rayman had two kills and a block in that stretch, causing Nelson to quickly re-enter the match.

Nelson put down a hard kill off the serve of Sheri Lair on the very next play, giving L/P the serve back. G-E couldn’t handle the ensuing serve from L/P junior setter Amy Bickler, giving L/P a three-game sweep.

"Laura Nelson showed what kind of player she is tonight," L/P co-coach Carl Ellis said. "She had just one hitting error."

Efficient hitting by Nelson and her teammates didn’t allow the G-E offense to get in a rhythm, taking away Rayman’s big-play potential.

"We couldn’t get the ball to her as much as we would’ve liked," G-E coach Craig Rayman said. "Lyle-Pacelli’s a good team, but we just didn’t play as well as we’re capable of."

The lack of sets to Aly Rayman forced her to go to a different strategy – tipping the ball.

"We’d never seen them play before," Ellis said of G-E. "They’re a good defensive team, but we handled the tips pretty well."