Vixens fall in conference match

By Laura Clark

Published: October 22, 2008

A powerful Bridgewater team swept the Vixens in three games (25-16, 25-16, 25-12) on Oct. 18.

Sweet Briar (1-7 in the ODAC) was without its starting setter, Brooke Moody, who was recovering from an illness. Her absence forced the team to learn a new rotation in one practice.

“We’re a small team, but we’re very talented and very young,” said Vixens coach Beth Huus. “We play one senior and the rest are sophomores and freshmen.”

The Vixens adjusted to their new rotation through the match, but couldn’t sustain an offensive rhythm and the Eagles found gaps in their coverage.

The Eagles had a strong front row and obvious height advantage. Brittany Wittmer and Mandy Hill led Bridgewater’s front row.

“They had a great block, and they moved the ball around well,” said senior hitter Dori Rucker. “They managed to see where our holes were and went right for them.”

Rucker came on strong in game two, tallying six kills. The rallies were longer between the two teams, though Huus said the Vixens still had too many unforced errors.

Game three saw some confidence among the Vixen hitters. Sophomore Ashley Winters led her team on the front row by mixing up quick spikes and tips.

“I think we just need to get mentally focused and know that we can make a 3-pass,” Rucker said.

Laura Jett, who usually plays libero but filled in as an outside hitter, echoed Jett’s sentiment that the team lacks some confidence right now.

Jett, who led the Vixens with 13 digs, is playing with a torn meniscus.

“This is kind of a transition year,” she said. “We do have moments of brilliance. I feel like our defense is pretty strong. Our hitters just need to start swinging.”

Freshman Alexis Rukenbrod led the Vixens with 16 assists while adding 10 digs. Winters had nine digs, and freshman Cassidy Jones had eight.

The Vixens faced non-conference team Mary Baldwin College later on Oct. 18.

The Squirrels won in three with scores of 25-23, 25-21 and 25-23.

The Vixens host Eastern Mennonite University for the final season game on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m.