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September 28, 2002

Cincinnati St. Ursula pulled off a huge win for the entire state this afternoon as they toppled nationally ranked and defending Kentucky state champion Louisville Assumption 15-6, 8-15, 15-10.

The Bulldogs used superb blocking to counter Assumption’s powerhouse offense. Ursula’s setter Byrn Kehoe was stellar, and when she wasn’t setting she was great in transition, turning difficult digs into nice passes. Meanwhile, Beth Gillming, Beth Shelton, Rachel Yauss and Maggie Schmelzle repeatedly pounded spikes at the Rockets, many of which turned into kills.

The match lasted over an hour and a half, and the last game saw 34 sideouts. Both teams made spectacular defensive plays that led to several thrilling volleys. Yauss had some great saves and Assumption’s Amanda Alvey and Marisa Main had backward somersault digs that kept volleys alive. Assumption’s attack was led by Julie Purcell, Kate Bean, and Jessica Starck. Even with St. Ursula’s blocking, Purcell nailed some kills on spikes that just went straight down.

The first game saw St. Ursula jump out in front 4-0. Assumption closed to 5-3, but the Bulldogs gradually pulled away. In game two, the Rockets led 2-0, but St. Ursula scored four unanswered points. Assumption went up 6-5 and then they pulled away. Game three saw ties at 1, 2 and 3 before St. Ursula went up 7-3. Assumption closed to 7-6, but Ursula went on a 5-1 run to lead 12-7. With the score 13-10 Shelton got a kill for a sideout. Laura Cassinelli stepped up to serve, made a great pass of an Assumption spike that led to a kill by Schmelzle, and then served the match point which came on a booming block by Shelton. 

This was St. Ursula’s third three game match this week, and things won’t be getting any easier. Next Tuesday the Bulldogs take on Ursuline in a crucial GGCL match that will probably decide the GGCL title, as well as who will be top ranked in the state. The following week they play Mother of Mercy, and then go to a tournament in Chicago where they will clash with some Illinois powers.