Oregon State
Boise State
Volleyball Defeats Boise State To Win Showcase Tournament
September 02, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 2, 2000
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Michele Solomon had a career-high 16 kills against Boise State as the Oregon State volleyball team defeated the Broncos in a four-game match to claim the 2000 OSU Volleyball Showcase title Saturday evening at Gill Coliseum. Game scores were 13-15, 15-11, 15-9 and 15-11.
"This was a great match because Boise State really challenged us. They brought all areas of their game with them tonight," said OSU coach Nancy Somera.
Solomon, who hit .433 against BSU, was voted the tournament's Most Valuable Player. She also added five blocks in the win.
In addition to Solomon, OSU had three other players reach double-figures for kills. Gina Schmidt had 17, Angie Shirley 11 and Katrina Nelson 10. Tara Brinkerhoff led the Broncos with 17 kills.
Both teams played strong defense, with the Beavers finishing with 102 digs and Boise State with 94. Brinkerhoff had a match-high 23, while the Beavers got 20 apiece from Jessica Papell and Schmidt. Lori Daedelow added 19, and Nikki Neuburger turned in 16 for OSU. Papell's and Neuburger's efforts were both career-bests.
But the Broncos won the battle at the net, outblocking the Beavers 17-14, led by Jacqueline Heler's 10. Shirley led OSU with seven blocks.
"Boise State's blocking was outstanding, and they played real aggressive defense," Somera said. "That really kept our hitters thinking and moving the ball, and that was good to see after a shaky start. We settled down, and our passing, serving and defense - the three things we focus on - came through. That was one of the reasons we won this match."
Joining Solomon on the All-Tournament Team were OSU's Brandi Bonnarens and Schmidt, Boise State's Brinkerhoff and Katy Shephard, Western Illinois' Sally Miller and Stetson's Amanda Lang.
Western Illinois defeated Stetson, 3-0, in the other Saturday evening match.
The Beavers resume competition Sept. 8-9 at the Portland State Conference Challenge, where OSU will face St. Mary's, San Diego State, Portland State and Idaho.
"We've got some things to work on, and it was good to pushed by a team like Boise State. We'll go into the practice gym and clean some things up," said Somera.
OSU Volleyball Showcase
Boise State (2-1) 15 11 9 11 Oregon State (3-0) 13 15 15 15Stetson (0-3) 5 13 6 Western Illinois (1-2) 15 15 15
All-Tournament Team: Brandi Bonnarens (OSU), Gina Schmidt (OSU), Tara Brinkerhoff (BSU), Katy Shephard (BSU), Samantha Miller (WIU), Amanda Lang (Stetson). Most Valuable Player: Michele Solomon (OSU)
