PORTLAND, Ore. — (Aug. 25) Humboldt State's volleyball squad got off to a strong start to the 2006 season, claiming a four-game win over Warner Pacific and  a straight-sets win over Concordia Friday in Portland, Ore.

In the win over Warner Pacific, the Jacks dropped the first game 32-30 before coming back to win three straight sets, 30-22, 30-24 and 30-25.

“They were all good, competitive games,” said HSU head coach Sue Woodstra. “(Warner Pacific) plays hard and they allowed us to find things that we can be better at. We had streaks where we played really well, very clean and disciplined, and streaks where we didn't play so well.”

Outside hitters Katie Norkunas and Olivia Solomon had 21 and 19 kills, respectively, while Lynsey Adams added 12 kills.

Maya Domoto had a solid 25 digs while middle blocker Danielle Wells led the Jacks with a pair of solo blocks and three block assists.

Against Concordia, the stronger of the two opponents according to Woodstra, the Jacks claimed 30-17, 30-25 and 31-29 scores in the win.

“The third set was good for us because we lagged a bit, but we picked it up and finished strong,” said Woodstra.

Norkunas once again led the team offensively, racking up 10 kills, while Solomon and Kristen Kinzer added eight and seven kills, respectively.

As a team the Jacks hit at a .275 average against the Crusaders, much improved from the .157 percentage in the day's first match.

“I'm pleased  that we made a good step up from this afternoon's match to this evening,” said Woodstra, summing up her team's opening day. “We played a better team and we really stepped up. Our effort level increased and our intensity level was a lot better.”

The Lumberjacks return to the court Saturday, taking on Evergreen State at 12:30 p.m. and Point Loma Nazarene at 3:00 p.m. Both matches will be played at Concordia University in Portland, Ore.

Humboldt State def. Warner Pacific 30-32,30-22,30-24,30-25

Humboldt State (1-0) (Kills-aces-blocks) - NORKUNAS, Katie 21-0-2; SOLOMON, Olivia 19-1-1; ADAMS, Lynsey 12-0-4; BRINEY, Mallory 5-0-2; KINZER, Kristen 4-0-3; WELLS, Danielle 1-1-5; DOMOTO, Maya 0-1-0; Totals 62-3-10.5. (Assists) - JUCKSCH, Ashley 28; SHANNON, Liz 25. (Dig leaders) - DOMOTO, Maya 25; SOLOMON, Olivia 24; NORKUNAS, Katie 22

Warner Pacific (0-1) (Kills-aces-blocks) - ALLEN, Michelle 15-0-4; RISPLER, AMY 13-0-0; WHITEMARSH, Ann 8-0-11; OAKLAND, Marcy 7-0-5; WHEELER, Laura 3-0-3; ANDREWS, Tara 2-2-0; Totals 48-2-13.5. (Assists) - ANDREWS, Tara 37. (Dig leaders) - RISPLER, AMY 12; ALLEN, Michelle 11

Site: Portland, OR (C.C. Perry Gym)
Date: Aug 25, 2006   Attend: 75   Time: 2:15

Humboldt State def. Concordia University 30-17, 30-25, 31-29
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