Women's Volleyball Fan - by Jose Navarro Gamus
On the night of October 27, 1988, IÂ decided to attend my first USF Dons Volleyball Game against the Pepperdine Waves. Prior to the game, the Dons had a woeful record of 5 victories and 12 defeats. Their record and the minimal popularity as a spectator sport were the reasons why I had never attended a game. Little did I know that before the night was over, I would become a fan of volleyball, USF Dons Volleyball.
The Dons lost to Pepperdine that night in straight sets 16-18, 6-15, and 6-15. Two nights later, the Dons vindicated themselves with a 9-15, 15-7, 15-11, and 15-6 victory over Loyola Marymount. The win over the Lions would be the beginning of a 3 game winning streak that culminated with a 5 set thriller against arch-rival Santa Clara.
The Santa Clara match was an emotional roller-coaster ride as the fans from both sides were treated to a see-saw battle that ended in 5 exciting sets: the Dons won 8-15, 15-7, 16-14, 8-15, and 15-8. This was the best game of the year, as the Dons used teamwork to defeat the favored Broncos. In addition, the Broncos were knocked off from a first-place tie with Pepperdine. Standouts included senior co-captain Denise Pardoen (21 kills, 22 digs. and 7 blocks), Melanie Kaiser (19 kills and 24 digs), and Kathy Hold who did an exceptional job of setting.
The following home game was a California Golden Bears win of 16-14, 15-9, and 15-10. The Dons capped the season by winning their final two home games against San Diego and Colorado. The Colorado game marked the final game for seniors Shelley Haight, Kathy Hold, and Denise Pardon. However, returning next year are impact player and co-captain Kim Gray and Freshman Melanie Kaiser. Gray led the Dons in kill average (2.6 overall, 2.7 WCAC), and digs (373, 4.2 avg. overall, 4.4 WCAC). Her 4.2 overall mark placed her 9th nationally.
The "physically strong and explosive" Kaiser also posted several impressive numbers in attacking (2.4 kill avg. 2nd best team), serving (22 aces, 2nd), and digging (260 digs, 3rd). In addition to Gray and Kiaser, super sophs Deanne Anastas, Jenny Schrack, and Dru Ueltschi, and veterans Margaret Hillhouse and Ann Podesta will also be returning next fall. I can't wait for the '89 season to begin (TheDon).
