Simpson defeats Loras to advance to final
INDIANOLA, Iowa – The top-seeded Simpson volleyball team took care of business in the semifinal round of the 2009 Iowa Conference Volleyball Tournament, defeating No. 5 Loras, 3-1 (25-21, 26-24, 20-25, 25-21) at Cowles Fieldhouse Friday night.
With the win, Simpson advances to the championship against No.3 Wartburg. The third match between the two teams will take place at Cowles Fieldhosue and is set to begin at 2 p.m.
In a re-match of last year's tournament championship match – won by Loras – Simpson came with the same balanced attack employed all season, as three players went over 10 kills on the match.
With the win, Simpson (20-13) advances to the IIAC Tournament Championship for the third time in four seasons.
Lara Gillespie's 13 kills paced the Storm, while Whitney Oviatt and Megan Dunlavy each slammed 11. Setter Tara Christensen handed out 40 assists and libero Brittany Friesth led the way with 15 digs. Rebecca Westphal added 10 digs to the cause. Dunlavy added two block-solos and two block-assists.
Loras (13-21) hit .128 as a team, led by Julianne Lord's game-high .346 attack percentage. Brittney Westermeyer tied Gillespie with a game-high 13 kills.