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Santa Clara Beats WCC Rival Pepperdine in Five
Nov. 19, 2009
Final Stats | Knudsen Featured in Recent Q&A
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Dana Knudsen had 16 kills, including the match-winner as Santa Clara University won a thriller over visiting Pepperdine University 3-2 Thursday night at the Leavey Center. Knudsen made just two errors in 28 attacks and her play at the net allowed the Broncos to establish a 7-3 lead in the decisive fifth game. Knudsen added two kills in the final moments to seal it. "Any time you can beat a team in the traditional top four (of the WCC) it's a great thing for your team," said Santa Clara Head Coach Jon Wallace. "I really liked how our players came together earlier in the week and talked about winning these final two games for our seniors and to make a statement about next year." Santa Clara (16-12; 6-7 WCC) - who has eight freshmen on its roster - has won five of its last eight heading into Saturday afternoon's regular-season finale with LMU. SCU got Pepperdine's best shot. The Waves (15-11; 8-5 WCC) - receiving votes in the latest AVCA Top 25 Poll - are vying for an at-large berth into the NCAA's. Pepperdine began the night tied with the University of San Diego for second place in the WCC standings behind St. Mary's College who has already clinched the league title. Down two-games-to-one, Pepperdine had rallied behind sophomore Kim Hill's match-high 21 kills to win the fourth game 25-19. Victoria Adelhelm led all players with six blocks. Krista Kelley responded to Pepperdine's final push in Game Five with consecutive kills to put SCU up 12-10. Kelley had 15 kills and hit .433 to complement the play of Knudsen, freshman Katherine Douglas and senior Lindsy Davigeadono.
The Broncos will honor its three seniors - Lauryn Dowd, Kim Courtney and Davigeadono - prior to Saturday's 1 p.m. match with LMU. |
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