Sept. 26, 2003

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - The Lewis women's volleyball team swept Bellarmine in its first home match since Labor Day weekend. The Flyers (9-4, 2-0 in Great Lakes Valley Conference) put away a scrappy Knights team 30-24, 30-26, 30-20.

Bellarmine (0-12, 0-4 GLVC) threatened for moments in each of the games, but Lewis found ways to overpower them.

"It's a W," said Lewis head coach Karen Lockyer. "It's winning ugly. Except for the last seven points of the third game, we didn't play exceptionally well.

"As a team with only two returning starters, we have young players that need to realize that a team with a losing record in our league isn't terrible."

Katie Gilman led the Flyers with 12 kills, while adding nine digs and three blocks. Lisa Paasch contributed with 10 kills and a .375 hitting percentage.

Val Olis came off the bench in game two and gave the team a boost as well. She posted five kills and a .429 hitting percentage.

"Val came in and did a super job," said Lockyer. "She's probably our most versatile player. We use her everywhere and she always brings a great attitude. Tonight she came in and gave us a much needed energy boost, and brought some excitement to the floor."

The victory sets the stage for an early season showdown with perennial conference power Northern Kentucky. Lewis beat the Norse on their home floor last season, but lost both times they met in Romeoville. The last time they met, Northern Kentucky eliminated Lewis in the GLVC Tournament semifinal.

Match time is set for Saturday, September 27 at 2 p.m.