Wittenberg Volleyball Team Makes Educational Trip to Spain

BARCELONA - Wittenberg finishes match against L´Hospitalet in a 2-2 tie. The gym time ran out as the Tigers battle jet lag and play a seasoned team of veteran adult Spanish players. Wittenberg senior setter Sarah Yuskewich dominates the net with 7 blocks, while middle hitters Emily Dixon, a junior, and Kristin Fox, a senior who played outside hitter a year ago, combine for 24 kills to lead the Tigers statistically.

BARCELONA - Wittenberg wins 3-0 over Sabadell. The Tigers found a good rhythm and cruised to an impressive victory. Superb ball control by junior libero Aubrey Anderson and outside hitters Emilie Schmid and Monica McDonald, both seniors, allow middle hitters Fox and Dixon to have another impressive outing, combining for 30 kills.

"The European style of offense isn't as middle-attack oriented as ours," said Wittenberg Head Coach Paco Labrador. "Kristin Fox and Emily Dixon are really dominating teams who can't keep up with them in transition.

"The gyms are small and the crowds are extremely vocal. The team has done a great job adjusting to each playing environment. The next three Madrid matches will be a true test as each team has professional players on them."

MADRID - Wittenberg wins 3-0 over Guadalajara as Dixon "blocked" out the bright Spanish sun on Sunday evening in the provincial captial of Guadalajara. Dixon amassed seven blocks in three games to help overcome the hometown favorites.

Sophomore outside hitter Heather Kelly chipped in two blocks and five timely digs to thawart the veteran Spanish side. Dixon and Fox continued to shine offensively, putting away several thunderous kills and finishing with 14 each. Yuskewich found an offensive rhythm early, adding 4 kills in Game 1. The passing trio of Anderson, Schmid and McDonald maintained order in the backcourt, consistently controlling the aggressive Guadalajara serve.

"This was a team win," Labrador said. "Our collective court energy and intensity was much higher than the Guada team. The Guadalajara setter and primary middle attacker were vereran Bulgarian pro players in their 30's. Emily Dixon did a great job containing the taller, more experienced Bulgarian middle.

"The Guada team really pushed back in game three. We had enough experience and leadership to turn the momentum back to our side and win. It's great to have five seniors on the court who I can count on at any time to lead individually."

ALCORCON - Wittenberg wins 3-2 over Alcorcon in a tightly contested match.

Fox led the way offensively with 14 kills. Junior outside hitter Linda Young and Yuskewich had a terrific night serving, contributing four and six aces respectively to the Tiger attack. Kelly contributed eight kills.

"The team played well when it counted most," Labrador said. "In Game 5, they held off two strong rallies by the semi-pro Alcorcon team. It should the continued development of their on-court character and teamwork."

ALCALA - Wittenberg loses 3-2 to Alcala in another tightly contested match.

Playing a team of seasoned professionals, the Tigers came off a long match the night before and full day of sightseeing on foot in the hot Spanish sun to nearly pull off another improbable win. Dixon showed the way offensively with 14 kills, and McDonald added 12 kills. Schmid was strong as usual on defense, contributing 20 digs and Yuskewich finished with six blocks.

"This was a top-caliber team, and I was pleased with our ability to contend with fatigue-factor," Labrador said. "Physically, this will prepare us for some difficult situations the team faces in the NCAA Division III Tournament, having to play top opponents on back-to-back nights."

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