By: by Jason Hanes
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - Sabrita Gulley and Sara Metroka were both named to the all-tournament team as the Kennesaw State volleyball team fell to Ohio State, 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-18), Saturday night in the finale of the 2010 Owls Invitational.
KSU played a ranked team at the Convocation Center for the first time in program history, and with a large crowd on hand, the match had the feel of a big event. Unfortunately for the Owls, the only thing bigger than the match was the size of Ohio State's blocking corps. While OSU only recorded nine blocks in the match, as opposed to 17 like they did Friday against Presbyterian, the size of the blockers KSU faced forced challenges for the Owls.
"Ohio State is one of the most well-coached teams in the country," said KSU head coach Karen Weatherington. "On top of that, when you have the talented players that they have that frequently play the game easily above the 10-foot threshold, it makes things more difficult for you as a team. That being said, this was a great challenge for us before we start Atlantic Sun Conference play in two weeks. I think we learned a lot about ourselves this evening, even in the loss."
The Owls (6-8) fell behind 6-1 in the opening set and could never recover. In set two, the Owls hit for a negative attack percentage for one of the few times this season in falling to the Buckeyes. In set three, the Buckeyes led by as many as 10 before the Owls fought off four match points. The deficit was too much, however, and KSU fell, 25-18.
Gulley had eight kills on the evening to lead Kennesaw State. Metroka continued her solid play running the KSU offense, recording 22 assists on the night.
Katie Dull had a match-high 12 kills for OSU, while Anna Szerszen notched 10. Szeerszen was named MVP of the Owls Invitational, while Dull and teammate Mariah Booth were named all-tournament as well.
The Owls will be back in action Friday night when they face Alabama A&M at the KSU Convocation Center in the final test for KSU before A-Sun play. Match time is set for 7 p.m.
