DUBUQUE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) - The Loras women's volleyball team finished the 2015 regular season on Tuesday night with a 3-0 sweep of their crosstown rivals, University of Dubuque. Freshman Jenna LaCorte finished the night with 11 kills and a .402 attacking percentage.

HOW IT HAPPENED
SET ONE
Out of the gates, Loras (21-12, 5-2 IIAC) struggled in reacting to the outside dominated Spartan attack. The Duhawks trailed 10-6 until junior Therese Schultz jumpstarted a Loras run, forcing a UD timeout at 14-13. The Duhawks capitalized on Spartan errors allowing their offense and defense to pair up and take over. A kill from freshman Jenna Lacorte was the key play to right the ship. The Naperville native's offensive presence turned the momentum in the Duhawks' favor, allowing for junior Danni Kennedy to establish a block, which in turn led to an ace from sophomore Haley Bergan. It was ultimately Lacorte whose kills closed the set at 25-18.
 
SET TWO
Dubuque opened the second set in a similar fashion to the first, jumping out to an 11-5 lead. Freshman Claire Ritchie sent the Duhawks on four point run after back-to-back kills and a block. The momentum maker came when Kennedy and freshman Akasia Brown paired up at the net to bring the Duhawks within two at 13-11. Senior Liz Jendra demonstrated her leadership by making a diving save to keep a play alive. The senior's effort paid off and Loras tied the game 15-all. Loras showcased their defensive manor late in the 2nd. Their ability to put an end to many fast-paced competitive attacks led to frustrations on their opponent's front. Dubuque managed to cut the lead to one at 24-23 before a service error handed the Duhawks the 2-0 match lead.

SET THREE
The Duhawks avoided the slow start in set three and opened a 12-6 lead on the Spartans. Kennedy recorded a solo block to make it 16-10 which started a 5-2 for Loras. In hopes to avoid a sweep, Dubuque dug deep and started their comeback effort with a 5-2 run of their own to make it 22-18 Duhawks. Schultz stayed calm and utilized a smart-tip over the block at to put Loras up at 23-18, allowing the Duhawks to easily slide into to the 25-19 victory. After posting two kills in each of the first two sets, LaCorte turned on the after burners, finishing with seven kills in the third set.

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME
Jenna LaCorte | Finished with a match-high 11 kills including seven in the third set.

SOUNDBITES | Liz Jendra & Jenna LaCorte


SOUNDBITES | Jenna Ness


UP NEXT
Loras will receive a bye in the first round of the Iowa Conference Tournament and will face the winner of the Buena Vista and Dubuque, who will play on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The Duhawks' semifinal match is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Athletic & Wellness Center.