The University of Alaska Fairbanks    

Official Site of Nanook Volleyball

Last Update: August 30,1998

News Releases

April 19, 1998 - Awards Ceremony

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks Annual Awards Banquet Joy Snow was picked at the Volleyball Most Valuable Player. Teammate Bobbi Benson was selected as UAFs Scholar/Athlete of the Year.

April 18, 1998 - Spring Volleyball

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks and the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves played a pair of matches at each other's schools for the spring season volleyball matches. These matches were played under an experimental format that had the teams play a best 2 out of 3 game match with the first two games being played for 14 minutes of ball-in-play time, rally point scoring. The third game was played for 3 minutes. In the first match played at UAF the Seawolves earning the victory by a score of 56-52, 56-57, 12-11. The second match at UAF was won by the Nanooks by a score of 57-53, 54-50. Play at UAA found the Seawolves winning both matches by scores of 50-52, 49-61 and 49-48, 56-62, 16-17.

December 7, 1997 - Season Recap

While this season's 7-21 record was a disappointment, next season looks to be promising with there having been only one senior, Tiffany Pulver, on this year's squad. The UAF season and career record book is full of players who should return next season. Setter Kamilah Webb finished the season by moving into 3rd for both season and career assists. The blocking game should be a real standout part of UAF's game with Bobbi Benson (2nd in career and 3rd in season blocks), Jenny Kirst (5th in career and 7th in season blocks) and Melissa Smith (4th in season blocks) all returning. The hitting game should also be impresive with Colleen Smith (8th best season and 9th best career records) returning to action along with Joy Snow (#6 in career and #7 in season kills)and Bobbi Benson (#5 in career kills). The always tough defense will not suffer with the return of Bobbi Benson (#3 in career digs) and Colleen Smith (#8 in season and #5 in career digs). Look for other standouts (such as Melissa Smith and Stephanie Grindel in kills and digs), to be moving into the record book next season. Next year's schedule will not be any easier than this season's was. The Pacific West Conference sees the addition of NAIA powers Brigham Young-Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific. The Nanook Classic Volleyball Tournament will include Division I teams Duke, who finished 1997 with a record of 15-15 in the powerful Atlantic Coast Conference, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Iowa State, who returns one of the tallest teams in the NCAA.

UAF faced some fine teams and individuals during this season. They played five matches against Division I teams. In the Nanook Classic they lost to Utah St (18-14), Weber St (12-16) and Tennessee St (8-19). They lost one and won one against Dartmouth (24-10). Other opponents of note were #13 ranked Metro St (28-9), #19 ranked Colorado Christian (23-10) and #20 ranked Cal St Los Angeles (24-11). Three UAF opponents appeared in the NCAA Div II tournament. Hawaii-Hilo (18-9) lost in the first round of the Northwest Regional to Regis, as did Metro St. Cal St Los Angeles also lost in the first round of the Southwest Regional. Several UAF opponents finished in the top twenty in several statistical categories. In kills per game were Metro St (#5, 15.80) and Cal St LA (#17, 14.74). In assists per game was Metro St (#10, 13.53). In blocks per game were Colorado Christian (#7, 3.21) and Hawaii-Hilo (#11, 2.97). In digs per game were Chaminaade (#10, 20.00), Metro St (#14, 19.72), and Montana St-Billings (#16, 19.54). Some of the top players faced by the Nanooks were Diane Vargo, Jr, Montana St-Billings (#11 in kills per game with 4.79), Laurie Anderson, Sr, Metro St (#6 in assists per game with 12.54) and Audra Littou, Jr, Metro St (#14 in digs per game with 4.44).

November 16, 1997 - Nanooks Finish Season with Win

Stephanie Grindel has fun as the UAF Nanooks finish the season on a high note. The Nanooks defeated IUPUI 3-1 for the second time as Grindel and Jenny Kirst proved unstoppable combining for 42 kills and a hitting percentage of .387. The Nanooks had to overcome several letdowns during the match but were determined to not let this victory slip away from them as they won the close match by scores of 14-16, 16-14, 15-13, 16-14. This was truely the Stephanie Grindel weekend as she finished the two matchs with 49 kills, and a hitting percentage of .402, 27 digs, 4 blocks, and 5 aces. Also leading the Nanooks were Joy Snow (18 kills, 22 digs), Jenny Kirst (14 kills, 5 blocks), and Kamilah Webb (56 assists, 16 digs). The Metros were led by Rachael Neighbors (23 kills, 18 digs), Kristin Wood (21 kills, 16 digs) and Kami Holt (64 assists 16 digs).

Conference Honors: It was announced that Joy Snow was selected to the Pacific West Conference 2nd Team and that Kamilah Webb and Bobbi Benson were selected to the All-Conference Academic 1st Team.

November 15, 1997 - Nanooks Defeat Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis

The UAF Nanooks defeated the IUPUI Metros, behind the hot hitting of Stephanie Grindel and Melissa Smith by scores of 15-7, 10-15, 15-7, 15-12. Grindel and Smith proved almost unstoppable as they combined for 33 kills and a whopping hitting percentage of .414. This was the final weekend of Nanook volleyball and they were determined to end a disappointing season as winners. The Nanooks dominated every aspect of the game, except for serving and serve receiving, and were not going to be denied the win. The Nanooks were led by Stephanie Grindel (21 kills, 11 digs, 3 blocks), Melisssa Smith (12 kills, 13 digs, 2 blocks, 1 ace), Joy Snow (13 kills, 15 digs, 2 blocks, 1 ace, 2 assists), Kamilah Webb (52 assists, 14 digs, 2 kills, 1 ace), and Jenny Kirst (7 kills, 7 blocks, 2 aces). The Metros were led by Kristen Wood (24 kills, 11 digs, 2 aces), Rachael Neighbors (15 kills, 15 digs, 1 ace) and Kami Holt (52 assists, 6 digs, 1 ace).

November 11, 1997 - Nanooks Lose to Montana St-Billings

The UAF Nanooks were swept by Montana St - Billings Yellowjackets by scores of 3-15, 12-15, 11-15. The Nanooks were led by Joy Snow (9 kills, 9 digs), Bobbi Benson (5 kills, 8 digs), Janae Carpenter (4 kills, 8 digs) and Kamilah Webb (19 assists). The Yellowjackets were led Brandee Sayles, who is one of the national leaders in both kills per game and hitting percentage, with 12 kills, 10 digs and four aces.

November 9, 1997 - Nanooks Swept by Second National Power in Two Days

The UAF Nanooks played better against 14th ranked Colorado Christian but where still swept by scores of 12-15, 12-15, 7-15. The Nanooks were led by Stephanie Grindel (11 kills) and Joy Snow (10 kills, 11 digs).

November 8, 1997 - Nanooks Crushed by National Power, Metropolitan St

The UAF Nanooks were completely dominated by the 11th ranked Metro State Roadrunners. The Nanooks. who were defeated by scores of 10-15, 5-15, 3-15, were led by Joy Snow (7 kills), Bobbi Benson (6 kills) and Kamilah Webb (11 digs). Metro St was led by Michelle Edwards (13 kills) and Audra Littou (10 kills, 10 digs).

November 2, 1997 - Nanooks Come Up Short Against UAA

The UAF Nanooks gave away big leads in the first two games of a five game match to give the UAA Seawolves the win by scores of 7-15, 16-18, 15-10, 15-9, 12-15. As has been the case throughout the season, the Nanooks got off to a fast start in the first two games but couldn't maintain the lead forcing the match to go a full five games. As the scores indicate this was an evenly played match with both teams matching up almost identically, from a statistical standpoint. The big difference was that the Seawolves' setter, Monroe HS grad Kathy Hajdukovich, dished out quick set after quick set causing the Nanook defense to be caught flatfooted on enough occasions to make the difference. The Nanooks were led by Joy Snow (23 kills, 19 digs, 2 aces), Stephanie Grindel (15 kills, 11 digs, 2 blocks, 1 ace), Melissa Smith (13 kills, 9 digs, 5 blocks, 4 aces), Bobbi Benson (11 kills, 12 digs, 4 blocks), Amy Enoka (11 digs, 4 aces, 2 blocks, 4 kills, 3 assists) and Kamilah Webb (61 assists, 10 digs). The Seawolves were led by April Hydak (17 kills, 10 digs, 2 blocks, 1 ace), Latika Chandler (11 kills, 22 digs, 2 blocks, 2 aces) and Kathy Hajdukovich (60 assists, 14 digs, 3 blocks, 2 kills, 1 ace).

October 30, 1997 - Snow Named Conference Player of the Week

Joy Snow was named the Pacific West Conference Player of the Week after her stellar performance against Western New Mexico. In the two matches against Western New Mexico Snow had a total of 31 kills , a hitting percentage of .368, 17 digs, 5 aces, 2 blocks and 1 assist.

October 26, 1997 - Nanooks Sweep Western New Mexico

The UAF Nanooks defeated the Western New Mexico Mustangs 3-0 by scores of 15-7, 15-8, 15-5. This was thier best played match since their victory over Dartmouth early in the season. The Nanooks combined tough serving, that resulted in 9 aces and numerous bad Mustang passes, with a good passing and blocking game to keep the Mustangs off balance throughout the match. This was also coach Brown's 100th victory at UAF and his 338th career victory. The Nanooks so dominated the match that they only needed a total of 29 kills enroute to the sweep. The Nanooks were led by Joy Snow (11 kills, 6 digs, 2 aces, 2 blocks), Melissa Smith (10 digs, 3 blocks, 3 kills, 1 ace), Jenni Kirst (6 blocks, 2 aces, 2 kills), Amy Enoka (5 blocks, 3 aces, 5 kills) and Kamilah Webb (22 assists, 8 digs, 1 ace, 3 kills).

October 25, 1997 - Nanooks Overcome Errors for Victory

The UAF Nanooks overcame an error filled first game to defeat the Western New Mexico Mustangs 3-1, by scores of 9-15, 15-7, 15-7, 15-9. Improved passing and defense made it possible for Kamilah Webb to dish out 46 assists in the Nanooks best hitting percentage (.274) match of the season. The Nanooks were led by Joy Snow (20 kills, .389 hitting percentage, 11 digs and 3 aces), Stephanie Grindel (17 kills, .308 percentage, 3 aces, 2 blocks) and Melissa Smith (11 kills, .429 hitting percentage, 10 digs, 4 blocks). The Mustangs were led by Sussanna Luna (12 kills, 10 digs, 4 blocks, 3 aces), Stacy Salway (10 kills, 8 digs, 1 ace), Andrea Hunt (10 kills, 9 digs) and Amy Finlinson (28 assists, 3 aces).

October 15, 1997 - Nanooks Lose Second Five Game Match to Western Washington University

Once again the UAF Nanooks were frustrated by the Western Washington Vikings in another five game match. The Nanooks lost by scores of 15-9, 12-15, 17-15, 2-15, 11-15. The Nanooks played extremely well in the first game and hit at an excellent .432 pace to dominate the Vikings. The Nanooks continued to play well in the second game but the Vikings became red hot and hit at a .378 pace to the Nanooks respectable .218. After intermission the Nanooks came out flat and the Vikings were fired up and took a commanding 12-5 lead only to have the Nanooks begin to serve and dig the ball tough and rallied for the 17-15 victory. In game four the Nanooks went back to the inconsistent play that has plagued them all season, making service and serve receiving errors at critical times, allowing balls to drop untouched as one player after another seemed to think that the other player would make the play, resulting in a 15-2 Viking win. In game five the Nanooks seemed to be emotionally drained as they played the Vikings even through most of the game but couldn't get the big plays at the crucial times and dropped the game by a 15-11 score. The Nanooks were led by Joy Snow (17 kills, 10 digs), Melissa Smith (10 kills, 10 digs, 2 service aces), and Kamilah Webb (49 assists, 13 digs). The Vikings were led by Jamie Hardenbrook (21 kills, 15 digs, 6 service aces, 3 blocks), Tanya Price (18 kills, 4 blocks), Sarah Hiss ( 11 kills, 15 digs), Samantha Heuberger (11 kills, 10 digs) and Adrienne Sloboden (66 assists, 11 digs).

October 14, 1997 - Nanooks Lose to Western Washington University

The UAF Nanooks lost another frustrating five game match to the Western Washington University Vikings by scores of 15-12, 5-15, 15-11, 10-15, 10-15. As has been the case all season the Nanooks played brilliantly much of the match only to give the victory away during periods of dismal play marked by serious errors at critical points in the match. Poor passing and the inability to terminate when a good set is executed have been the key problems in recent weeks and continued in this match. The Nanooks were led by Melissa Smith (10 kills, 11 digs, 4 blocks), Joy Snow ( 14 kills, 9 digs, 4 blocks) and Kamilah Webb (39 assists, 11 digs). The Vikings were led by Adrienne Sloboden (60 assists, 10 digs, 5 blocks), Tanya Price (17 kills, 5 blocks), Sarah Hiss (12 kills), Jamie Hardenbrook (11 kills), Kari Varnell (11 digs) and Michelle Parker (10 digs).

October 12, 1997 - Nanooks are Swept by UAA Seawolves

The UAF Nanooks were defeated by the UAA Seawolves by scores of 8-15, 7-15, 13-15 to drop to a season record of 3-15. The Nanooks continued to be unable to put together a sustained offense, something that had seemed to gel during the Dartmouth series. Since that series, however, they have suffered 10 losses in a row. What is particularly disappointing is that this year's team appeared to be a contender for the Pacific West Conference championship but are now 0-7 in conference play. The Nanooks are particularly plagued with poor passing, resulting in their offense not being able to get the good quick sets necessary to play effectively against the tough competition they have faced this year. The Nanooks are now without the services of their two leaders in digs as Colleen Smith was lost in the third match of the season to a knee injury and Tiffany Pulver, the UAF career record holder in digs and kills and also one of the top 20 in the nation in digs, was dismissed from the team five matches ago for unknown reasons.

October 5, 1997 - Nanooks Lose Pair Against University of Hawaii-Hilo

The UAF Nanooks lost another pair of matches while visiting Hawaii. The University of Hawaii-Hilo Vulcans defeated the Nanooks by match scores of 3-0 and 3-1. In the first match the Nanooks lost by scores of 10-15, 9-15 and 7-15. The brightest spot in this match was Melissa Smith with 8 blocks and 8 digs. In the second match the Nanooks where defeated by scores of 6-15, 13-15, 15-11, and 11-15. In this match Joy Snow had 12 kills and 14 digs, Stephanie Grindel had 10 kills and 11 digs, and Kamilah Webb had 31 assists, 11 digs and 3 aces.

September 30, 1997 - Chaminade Silverswords Slice Nanooks

The UAF Nanooks were swept twice by the Chaminade Silverswords by match scores of 15-10, 15-10, 15-7 and 15-12, 15-6, 15-9. In both matches the play was even between the two teams for most of the matches but when things went wrong for the Nanooks they went wrong in batches making the scores look worse than the games actually were. Everything starts with the passing game and that part of the Nanook's offense needs mending before they can get there offense working effectively.

September 24, 1997 - Seattle Pacific Builds Roof Over Nanooks

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) defeated the UAF Nanooks by match scores of 3-0, 3-1 on the basis of a solid blocking effort and great defensive digging. Over the course of the seven games the Nanooks were left wondering about what it takes to put the ball on the floor as SPU made 20 blocks and 137 digs and the Nanook spike attempts that weren't blocked were more often than not deflected up into the air to enable easy passing. The Nanooks were led by Kamilah Webb (71 assists), Tiffany Pulver (15 kills, 27 digs), Joy Snow (11 kills, 26 digs), Bobbi Benson (16 kills, 17 digs) and Melissa Smith (16 kills, 16 digs). SPU was led by Danielle Dettorre (80 assists, 11 kills, 24 digs, 5 blocks), Erin Failor (21 kills, 19 digs, 9 blocks), Suzanne Beauchene (19 kills, 21 digs, 5 blocks, 5 service aces) and Robin McDougall (16 kills, 21 digs, 6 blocks). The game scores for match 1 were 15-9, 15-12, 15-13 and for match two were 13-15, 15-4, 15-2, 15-13.

September 20, 1997 - Pulver #8 in Nation

Nanook record holder Tiffani Pulver is currently ranked #8 in Division II in digs per game with an average of 4.96 through her first 26 games. No other Pacific West Conference players or teams were ranked in the top twenty of any category.

Teams that are on the Nanook's schedule who are ranked in the latest statistics include Cal State - Los Angeles (6-3) #1 in kills per game (16.90) and #11 in assists per game (13.46); #14 ranked Metro State (8-2) #10 in kills per game (15.14) and #19 in assists per game (12.76); and #7 ranked Colorado Christian (10-2) #11 in kills per game (15.08) and #9 in assists per game (13.46) and #15 in blocks per game (2.83).

Individuals that are ranked include Caryn Sale, Cal St - Los Angeles, #19 in hitting percentag (.403); Tasha Feldman, Morningside, #19 in kills per game (4.37); Sarah Bote, Colorado Christian, #8 in assists (12.17); Laurie Anderson, Metro State, #12 in assists per game (11.84).

In Division I, Denae Mohlman, Utah State, is #7 in hitting percentage (.451), and Janna Merryfield, Dartmouth, in #6 in digs per game (4.83). In addition, Tanya Price, of NAIA power Western Washington is #8 in hitting percentage (.441).

The current records of some of the Nanooks toughest opponents are Utah St (7-2), Weber St (6-4), Dartmouth (3-1) and Cal State - Los Angeles (6-3).

September 15, 1997 - Nanooks Lose Another Tough One

The Golden Eagles of Cal State - Los Angeles continued to dominate the UAF Nanooks and notched a four game win by scores of 15-8, 15-12, 11-15, 15-9. The Nanooks seemed to have the Golden Eagles on the ropes several times but each time the Nanook rally was either ended by a Nanook error or by the slick hitting of Golden Eagle Julie Hicks (12 kills), who seemed to score at will. Other outstanding play for Cal State came from Jamie Griffen (8 kills, 17 digs) and the setting duo of Bethany Butler and Monica Salcedo who combined for 46 assists). The Nanook effort was led by Joy Snow (11 kills, 8 digs), Kamilah Webb (28 assists, 10 digs) and Tiffany Pulver (10 assists).

September 14, 1997 - Aliens Invade Patty Center

The Golden Eagles of California State University-Los Angeles came to the Patty Center expecting to play the UAF Nanooks but encountered a team a aliens from some far off planet. This did not disrupt the Golden Eagles game plan however, as they were able to score a three game sweep by scores of 15-12, 15-7, 15-9. The victory didn't come easy though as the Golden Eagles had to average 16.7 kills and 20 digs per game to get the win. The Golden Eagles were led by Julie Hicks (11 kills, 11 digs) and Monica Salcedo (32 assists), who finished last season as #14 in kills and #28 in assists, respectively, on the national level. The Nanooks were led by Tiffani Pulver (14 kills, 14 digs) and Kamilah Webb (34 assists). Hopefully the real Nanook team will return to form for tonight's rematch with the Golden Eagles.

September 12, 1997 - Nanooks Split with Dartmouth

In another barn burning, 2 1/2 hour, match the Nanooks were defeated by Dartmouth by scores of 9-15, 15-11, 12-15, 15-6, 20-22. This match featured numerous changes in momentum, outstanding defensive play and culminated in an exciting fifth game that didn't seem like it would ever end as both teams displayed a never say die attitude. The Nanooks were led by Joy Snow (23 kills, 12 digs), Kamilah Webb (67 assists, 14 digs), Tiffani Pulver (14 kills, 23 digs) and Melissa Smith (11 kills, 11 digs). Dartmouth was leadJanna Merryfield (15 kills, 17 digs) and Felicity Kolp ( 52 assists).

September 11, 1997 - Nanook Defeat Dartmouth

The UAF Nanook Cardiac Kids defeated the Ivy League's Dartmouth Big Green in a great five game defensive battle that lasted almost three hours. The Nanooks won by a score of 6-15, 15-11, 17-15, 11-15, 15-7 to notch their first victory over a Div I team since 1992. UAF was led by Melissa Smith (13 kills, 23 digs, 5 blocks), Kamilah Webb (53 assists, 26 digs), Joy Snow (14 kills, 15 digs) and Stephanie Grindel (10 kills, 10 digs, 2 blocks). Dartmouth was led by Danra Kazenski (26 kills), Felicity Kolp (66 assists) and Janna Merryfield (16 kills, 27 digs).

September 7, 1997 - Nanooks Split Again, Finish Tournament with a 2-2 Record

The UAF Nanooks lost to Morningside yesterday afternoon in a match that saw Morningside play very well and the Nanooks unable to get anything going. The only bright spot for the Nanooks was Tiffani Pulver's 16 digs. In the evening match, against host Bemidji State, the Nanooks got untracked and swept the match by scores of 18-16, 15-0, 15-5. The Nanooks were led by Tiffani Pulver (11 kills, 19 digs), Kamilah Webb (33 assists), Joy Snow (7 kills, 13 digs), Bobbi Benson (10 kills) and Jenny Kirst (9 kills).

September 6, 1997 - Nanooks Split in First Day of Bemidji State Tournament

The UAF Nanooks started off the first day of the Bemidji State Tournament with a tough, early morning loss to Lake Superior State in another five game match by a score of 15-8, 13-15, 15-3, 9-15, 11-15. The Nanooks were led by Tiffani Pulver (20 kills, 20 digs, 2 blocks), Melissa Smith (20 kills, 13 digs, 4 blocks) and Kamilah Webb (43 assists, 18 digs).

In their second match of the day the Nanooks swept past St Cloud State by a score of 15-8, 15-13, 15-6 to notch their first win of the season. The Nanooks were led by Tiffani Pulver (11 kills, 17 digs, 1 block), Joy Snow (11 kills, 10 digs), Kamilah Webb (45 assists) and Bobbi Benson (11 kills, 2 blocks).

Of special note: on this day Tiffani Pulver replaced Ruth Peterson as the career leader in kills for the UAF Nanooks with a total of 905.

September 5, 1997 - Nanooks off to the Bemidji State Tournament

The UAF Nanooks are on the road this weekend to participate in the Bemidji State Tournament in Minnesota. After losing to three Division I teams in the Nanook Classic volleyball tournament last weekend the team hopes to turn things around at the expense of St Cloud St, Lake Superior St, Morningside and Bemidji State, all Div II teams. The Nanooks will be without the multi-talented Colleen Smith who will be a medical redshirt after suffering a knee injury last Sunday. Tiffani Pulver will return to the team this weekend after sitting out last weekend's tournament with an injured groin muscle. The Nanooks play St Cloud St and Lake Superior State today and finish with Morningside and Bemidji State tomorrow.

September 1, 1997 - Nanook Classic 3rd Round Results

The Weber State U. Wildcats put on a class act to win the inaugural Nanook Classic volleyball tournament in undefeated fashion. The Wildcats defeated the UAF Nanooks 15-9, 15-7, 15-7 behind the outstanding all-around play of tournament MVP Melissa Leonard and the dominant blocking and hitting of all-tournament player Laura Black. The Nanooks were led by all-tournament player Colleen Smith, who unfortunately suffered a torn knee ligament during the first game of the match and will be out for the rest of the season..

In the first match of the night Utah State U. clinched 2nd place in the tournament by defeating Tennessee State U. 15-5, 15-10, 6-15, 15-10. All-tournament players for Utah St were Niki Conner and Denae Mohlman and for Tennessee St were Nkechinyere Olumba and Alishia Marshall.

August 31, 1997 - Nanook Classic 2nd Round Results

The UAF Nanooks started out this match in sloppy style losing to the Utah State U. Aggies 15-5. The Nanooks then got their game together and owned the next 2 1/2 games, winning game two 15-12 and game three 15-10 and taking a commanding 7-4 lead in game four before losing their momentum. The Aggies then came back to outscore the Nanooks 11-5 to win game four 15-12. In game five the Nanooks fell behind 7-1 at the beginning and were unable to put together enough offense to overcome such a great deficit and lost game five and the match by a score of 15-7. The Nanooks were led by Colleen Smith (17 kills, 15 digs), Melissa Smith (14 kills, 6 digs), Joy Snow (12 kills, 6 digs) and Kamilah Webb (48 assists).

The first match of the evening saw the taller and more polished Wildcats of Weber State outlast the more athletic and extremely quick Blue Tigers of Tennesse State in a five game match by a score of 12-15, 15-6, 10-15, 15-3, 16-14. This win clinched the tournament championship for Weber State who was led by Laura Black (18 kills) and Jolynn Godfrey (13 kills, 14 digs). Tennessee State was led by Alishia Marshall (16 kills, 16 digs).

August 30, 1997 - Nanook Classic 1st Round Results

The UAF Nanooks came out playing inspired volleyball and defeated the Tennessee State U. Blue Tigers 15-8 in game one of the match. The Blue Tigers came back to win a close second game 15-10. After intermission the Nanooks again came out firing to win 15-8 but then seemed to tighten up in game four and suffered through an error plagued game to lose 15-3. The Nanooks were never able to regain momentum in game five and the very fast and athletic Blue Tigers never relinquished the lead to win the final game 15-9 to win the match 3-2. The Nanooks were led by Colleen Smith with 18 kills and 13 digs, Joy Snow with 14 kills and 12 digs, Kamilah Webb with 45 assists, and Melissa Smith with 10 kills, 9 digs and 4 blocks. The Blue Tigers were led by Nkechinyere Olumba with 17 kills and 7 digs, and Regina Graham with 11 kils and 14 digs.

In the other match of the evening the Weber State Wildcats defeated the Utah St Aggies 15-12, 15-12, 15-11 in a close, see-saw battle. Weber St was led by Melissa Leonard with 15 kills, 6 digs and 3 blocks, Laura Black with 9 kills and 4 blocks and Jamie Sant with 27 assists. Utah St was led by Amy Goulding with 12 kills, Denae Mohlman with 10 kills and 3 blocks, Lori Sargent with 33 assists and Niki Conner with 9 kills and 11 digs.

August 23, 1997 - Pacific West Conference Pre-Season Poll

The pre-season poll for the PWC has been released and mirrors the season end results from last year. Chaminade, with five starters returning from last year's championship team, was picked first. The complete poll results are:

On a national level, several teams that UAF will face this year have received votes in the pre-season polls. These are, in NCAA Div II, St Cloud St #21, Morningside #25, Colorado Christian #26, and Chaminade #34, and in NAIA, Western Washington #24.

Fans will get to see the team in action for the first time at 7pm on Tuesday, Aug 26 at the Patty Center when they play the annual intersquad Blue-Gold match. The season starts for real, with the inaugural Nanook Classic Volleyball Tournament, featuring Utah St, Weber St, Tennessee St and UAF. These matches will be played at 6 and 8pm on Aug 29, 30 and 31 in the Patty Center.

August 16, 1997 - Volleyball Booster Club to Form

There will be a meeting for anyone interested in forming a UAF volleyball booster club at 7pm on Wednesday, Aug 20th in the Patty Center Nanook Lounge. Coach Brown will introduce the 1997 Nanook volleyball team. Those interested, but unable to attend, should contact Coach Brown at 479-6809 between 9am and 5pm or booster club organizer Joyce Carpenter at 474-0534 between 6:30 and 9:30pm.

August 15, 1997 - Athletic Department Luncheon

The UAF Athletic Department will host a luncheon on Aug 28 at the Alaska Salmon Bake to open festivities for the inaugural Nanook Classic Div I volleyball tournament. Lunch will be served at noon and is open to the public. Tickets are available at the Patty Center for $10 and reservations can be made by contacting Kip Harmon, the associate athletic director, at 474-6830. The deadline for reservations is Aug 26.

August 12, 1997 - Practice Begins

The UAF Nanook volleyball team began practice, yesterday, for what should be the most difficult schedule in UAF history. Seventeen players, including most of the members from last year's 18-14 team, turned out to work for a position on the team. The season begins with the Blue-Gold intrasquad match on August 26 at the Patty Center. The regular season begins with the Nanook Classic Tournament on Aug 29-31. This tournament features Div II UAF and Div I Utah St, Weber St and Tennessee St. Tournament tickets are on sale at the UAF Athletic Dept and cost $15 for non-students and $5 for students. Season tickets, for the 17 match home schedule, are also on sale for $40 for non-students and $15 for students.

Season Recap:

Coach Brown's Season Outlook: Losing only one senior from last years 18-14 team, the Nanooks return seven players that have starting experience. Offensively, UAF returns five of the top six leaders in kills from '96. Leading the way is Colleen Smith (315 kills), Tiffani Pulver (306), Joy Snow (288), and Bobbi Benson (274). The setting duties will be handled by sophomore Kamilah Webb who led the team in assists in '96 with 754. Defensively, the Nanooks return their top five leaders in digs in Pulver (462), Smith (367), Snow (263), Webb (248) and Benson (235). Blocking should be an improved area in '97 as well with sophomore middle blocker Jenny Kirst ready to impact the line-up after great improvements during her freshman season. UAF also hopes to receive immediate help in middle blocking from freshmen recruits Melissa Smith (Palmer, AK), and Stephanie Grindel (North Pole, AK). "The pieces are in place to have a very good season, possibly the best ever," says coach Tim Brown. "We have more experience, athletic ability, and skill than ever before. The key to our success will be how well this team works together. If we work hard to play together all of the time, we will have a great season."