BLOG 5: Many bright spots emerge in Ferris’ season opening win

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Sarah Lark (9) drives a spike between a pair of Aquinas defenders on Thursday evening in Ewigleben Sports Arena. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – That first contest of any season, generally, can produce many intriguing and perhaps trying moments – regardless of the sport.

Watching Ferris State University begin its 2008 campaign put us on track toward answering questions so many of us have about this year’s Bulldog volleyball team – one that blends a fascinating combination of youth and experience. Among things we did learn, after the Bulldogs opened their season with a three-set sweep of Aquinas (25-17, 25-22, 25-14) inside Ewigleben Sports Arena on Thursday night, is the future is bright for this already rock-solid program built by head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm.

Ferris’ veterans got the job done as junior Sarah Lark was solid in the middle with 13 kills while senior Andrea Rich had nine kills and 12 assists, sophomore Arielle Goodson finished with eight kills and senior Candice Marut added 17 assists. Brandel-Wilhelm has recruited well the last few seasons and already is working on a good class for 2009. Several first-year players also made significant contributions as true freshman outside hitter Ashley Huntey, a talented local product from Morley Stanwood High School who had a large portion of the crowd supporting her, finished with three kills and eight digs. Marysville native Lisa Tobiczyk, a redshirt freshman libero, was strong on serve receive and finished with seven digs as well as two assists. Karen Thompson, a true freshman who prepped Holt, totaled for kills, one assist and also handled serves well for the Bulldogs.

Ferris State setter Andrea Rich (18) makes a set while teammate Sarah Lark (9) makes an approach during a match Thursday evening against Aquinas. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

Ferris emerged triumphant against the visiting Saints, on Thursday. But, the mission only gets tougher for the Bulldogs with strong competition in this weekend’s Ferris State Invitational with several regional opponents as well as strong traditional national power Minnesota-Duluth.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com