Lincoln College volleyball vs. ICC

[September 02, 2009]  EAST PEORIA -- On Tuesday the Lincoln College volleyball team traveled to East Peoria to take on nationally ranked Illinois Central College. The Lady Lynx (5-2) were able to hang with the No. 2 team in the nation for most of the evening, but in the end ICC took the match in three sets by scores of 25-20, 25-16 and 25-20.

LC totals:

• Melanie Herbeck -- 4 set assists, 3 points

• Gretchen Rieger -- 4 kills, 6 digs, 8 points

• Lara Dawson -- 2 kills, 5 points, 1 block

• Chelsea Barr -- 6 digs, 4 points

Comments from LC coach Mark Tippett:

"This match gave us the opportunity to see how we compare to one of the best teams, not only in our region, but in the nation. Our players did not back down from the challenge, and, overall, we played a solid match. I saw definite signs that indicate we are not far away from being able to compete on their level.

"The difference in the match was our inability to consistently pass their serves. When it came time to volley back and forth, we held our own and were able to earn points throughout the match. We just gave up too many aces and free balls off serve to get any momentum together.

"This was a great learning experience for our team that I am sure will benefit us down the road."

Lincoln College opens up a five-match home stretch in their schedule on Thursday, when they will host Robert Morris College in a 6 p.m. match.

[Text from file received from Mark Tippett, Lincoln College volleyball coach]