sports

It was a fluke. At least that is what the University of Alaska Fairbanks volleyball team thought after falling to the Seawolves in Fairbanks on Oct. 11. After losing the first two games, the Seawolves came back to beat the Nanooks 24-30, 27-30, 30-22, 30-28, 15-13 in their third straight, five-game victory.

“Nobody got desperate,” said senior Marise Knock, who finished with 13 kills and five blocks.

In her first experience playing against UAF, teammates warned Knock about the in-state rivalry.

“We played our game. One game at a time,” said Knock.

Freshman Carolyn DeKay was also informed about the loud and aggressive fans UAF usually has packed in the stands.

“They scared me to death,” said DeKay.

Junior Brianne Halling had 14 kills and five blocks. Sophomore Michelle Garvin contributed 20 digs and seven kills. Garvin also had three service aces.

After the Seawolf victory up north, comments in a Fairbanks newspaper made it easier for the already-motivated Seawolves to gear up for their second match against UAF. In addition to saying their loss was a fluke, the Nanooks said they would return the favor to UAA— by beating the Seawolves in Anchorage.

Instead, the Seawolves spoiled the Nanook's plans by sweeping them 30-26, 30-25, 30-22. Pack the gym night brought 796 fans to the UAA Sports Center, and the Anchorage crowd returned a favor with some noise of their own.

DeKay had 12 kills and a career-high hitting percentage of .476. Knock had 10 kills and 9 digs. Sophomore Kasey Kuelper had a team-high four aces and 11 digs.

“It was so much fun,” said DeKay.