Friday, October 18, 2019

NM State Aggies vs UMKC Roos Volleyball 10-17-19


"Explosive" Savannah Davison

Once again the Aggies were playing the #2 team in the conference, but this time it was the Roos.  This might be the Aggies last trip to Kansas City with the Roos leaving the conference next season.  The Roo announcer was a lady coach, who was, as you’d expect, well-informed on the sport.  She was expecting a close game and giving out some pretty technical playing information.  Their PA would do some embellishments on the Roo’s kills, which was okay, but their music was terrible.

The first set started with Natalie Mickels serving it out.  I didn’t want to see that.  Nor did I want to see Savannah Davison also doing that along with a couple other players.  UMKC’s setter had a great dump shot for a couple of kills.  The score stayed close to the first media timeout, 15-14 Aggies.  The Aggies continued with a slim lead.  The Roos got dinged for being out-of-rotation.  (I wouldn’t have minded more explanation on that call.)  “Who wins volleyball games is who makes the least errors,” the announcer said.  The Aggies took Set 1, 25-21.

Julianna Salanoa came up with an ace early in Set 2!  Yes!  That was a good way to start.  The Roos went to the well one too many times with the dump shot.  It was dug out and Sav got a kill.  The announcer really liked her, as Sav was hitting .500 through Set 2.  She was amazed that someone that relatively short could be an outside hitter.  She referred to Sav as “explosive” and other adjectives.  Analyssa Acosta also put in an ace. 

The Aggies went up 11-5, prompting a Roo timeout.  They took another three points later as the Aggies were completely blocking them.  It was a good talk as the Roos went on a six-point run, including 3 aces and the Aggies being called for out-of-rotation.  A block finally broke up the run.  Sav got a kill when the Roos got within 3.  Beautiful Megan Hart got it to set point with a couple of blocks and a kill.  Another block won the set, 25-18.

During the half, there was a fan serving contest on court.  The PA enjoyed it.  The UMKC fight song played, “Go Kangaroos! . . .”  It was really catchy.  I liked it.  The Roos got the first point on a dump shot.  They didn’t look back after that.  The Aggies were again called for being out-of-rotation.  Coach Jordan is not happy,” said the announcer in what was surely an understatement.  The Roos fired another ace.  There was some theater as the coach sent a player to talk to the up official to dispute a call.  I missed that point and, thanks to technical difficulties, I missed the rest of the set.  So did the Aggies, as they dropped it, 25-13 to the Roos.  (I’m not being selective in reporting.  I really did have an issue watching on my iPad.)    

I rejoined the game in progress in the fourth set.  The Aggies came back from a couple of points down to tie it at 10.  That long rally was exhausting to watch.  Nat went on a good serving run.  There were more incredible rallies as neither team was giving an inch.  After a Roo timeout, the Megan started getting the ball and made the most of it with 3 straight kills.  21-18, Jules came up with a big kill that probably finally broke them.  Nat aced to get the Aggies to match point.  They converted on it to win Set 4, 25-18, and the match, 3-1  

Savannah Davison led with 16 kills.  Cat Kelly followed with 14 and Megan Hart with 11.  Ashley Anselmo and Julianna Salanoa led in blocks with 5 each.  The Aggies were up 50-41 in kills.  They were only 9-4 in blocks, but those blocks were demoralizing.  There were 10 service errors again, but 7 aces.  Coach Jordan might be okay with that.  He won’t be as happy with the Roo’s 13 aces.  This felt like a good, gritty win.  I know I’m biased, but Megan again came up big in this match.  She just crushes the opponent’s will with her shots.  Aggie blocking is also a demoralizer.  As long as the team stays strong, they can win the psychological war.  The announcer did say this game was very mental.    

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