Lady Firebirds Close Out Volleyball Season with Dramatic Finish

Bowie, MD: September 27, 2008-- In a ferocious battle of across-town rivals, the UDC Lady Firebirds fell to the Bowie State University Lady Bulldogs, 3-2, in Bowie, Maryland tonight. The Lady Firebirds won the first two sets (26-24),(25-22) and forced a 5th deciding set after Bowie won the next two sets (25-14, 25-20)before a boisterous Bowie home crowd. But the numbers finally caught up with them as the Lady Bulldogs wore them down by substituting frequently. Bowie won the deciding set (15-7). UDC only had six experienced players available, and therefore, could not substitute as fatigue set in on their starting six.

Tamir Conner-Rogers paced the Lady Bulldogs to victory, tallying 23 kills, 1 service ace and 10 digs. Alyci Williams-Chase added 12 kills and 26 digs to help win the match. Sophomore Karen Trevino (Anthony, NM) led the Lady Firebirds with 16 kills and 27 digs. Senior Anne Marie Sanchez, playing in her final match for UDC, added 13 kills, 3 service aces and 23 digs in the magnificent effort. Sophomore Carmen Smith ( Houston,TX ) delivered 43 set assists to the effort.

UDC Head Volleyball Coach Bessie Stockard said, " The Team, with few numbers, has performed as well and as strong as any team with seven players. It was a joy to coach this team. They have responded very well. I will miss my three seniors and wish them much success in the future. I look forward to next season as we continue to build the program."

UDC ended their season with a 4-11 record.