SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (August 31, 2012) –This one was all about focus.

The University of Sioux Falls volleyball team had it, lost it, and the  end result was a five-set loss to Jamestown College, 25-15, 25-11, 18-25, 23-25, 11-15, at the Dakota Wesleyan Labor Day Classic on Friday night.

The loss drops USF to 1-1 while Jamestown improved to 5-2 overall. Earlier in the day, the Cougars defeated Mayville State in five sets.

“We came out in this match ready to compete and obviously did a nice job in the first two sets, but our focus weaned and we lost control of the match,” Cougars head coach McCartney said. “Jamestown played well and did everything right to get themselves back in it and we clearly lost our focus.”

As a team, the Cougars hit .233 for the match —better than the Jimmies’ clip of .214. — but also committed 23 attack errors on the night.

USF bested Jamestown in total blocks (7), set assists (55) and digs (74).

The Cougars dominated the first two sets but couldn’t close things out after an error-plagued third frame (eight miscues on 35 swings) allowed the Jimmies to get back into the match with a 25-18 third set win. Jamestown edged USF 25-23 in the fourth stanza and held on 15-11 in the fifth set to secure the come from behind victory.

Samantha Lovell led the Cougars against the Jimmies with 15 kills. Chanda Goedken tallied her second straight double-double with 11 kills and 12 digs. Emily Johnson had 13 kills and 13 digs for her first double-double of the season and a team-best three blocks. Sarah Kohler had 11 kills. Alexa Reed posted 50 set assists.
Junior libero Andrea Odbert, a transfer from Central Community College (Neb.), dug out 32 shots.

“Our middle offense is running on all cylinders, so when we pass well, Alexa has been pretty committed to getting the ball to Sam and Sarah,” McCartney said.

“Andrea was another bright spot for us tonight; she played extremely well on both sides of the ball,” he added.

The Cougars will look to bounce back Saturday, with a 2 p.m. tilt versus Mount Marty before wrapping up tournament action against host Dakota Wesleyan at 6 p.m.

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