Sept. 5, 2009
Final Stats
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The University of Dayton Flyers swept tournament host Western Michigan (25-22, 31-29, 25-19) to capture its second consecutive tournament championship of the season and improve to a 6-0 record.
For the Flyers, it was also a shot at redemption, as the Western Michigan Broncos eliminated Dayton from the NCAA Tournament in 2008 at the Frericks Center. UD closed out the first set 25-22, but had to battle for a 31-29 win heading into the break.
"I thought that the end of the second game was critical for us," said head coach Kelly Sheffield. "Both teams were battling back and forth to make great plays, and being able to win the second game was key."
Tiffany Gaerke had another standout performance. Since shifting to the left side, she has been a dominate force. Gaerke had 14 kills and 13 digs for her second consecutive double-double. For her standout performance, she was named MVP of the Holiday Inn West Bronco Invitational.
"Tiffany had a great tournament. We just moved her to the left side this week. She had a tough first game, but after that she played at a very high level," said Sheffield.
All-American middle blocker Lindsay Fletemier continued her presence at the net for the Flyers. Fletemier posted 14 kills for a .500 attack efficiency. She also had one block assist. Junior transfer Amanda Cowdrey collected her third double-double with a 10 kill, 16 dig effort. Both were named to the All-Tournament team.
Both of Dayton's setters had plenty of opportunities. Junior setter Kacie Hausfeld had 25 assists against Western Michigan, while freshman Hannah Clancy added 19.
Freshman libero Paige Vargas continued to impress. She posted a team-leading 18 digs against the Broncos in the final match.
"Every team has gone right at Paige," said Sheffield. "She is handling the role of libero with toughness, skill and execution. She had a really good tournament.
Other notable performances came from Becky Novacek, who posted eight kills for a .533 attack efficiency and three block assists. Anna Eytchison added three block assists and four kills.
Dayton opens up its home slate at the Dayton Flyer Classic on Sept. 11 in the Frericks Center at 7:00 p.m. ET against the UConn Huskies. Admission and parking for all of the Flyers' home matches are free of charge. Those unable to attend may also watch the live video stream free of charge at www.DaytonFlyers.com.
