John Carroll volleyball vs. Marietta

The Gold Streaks Bloggers will be posting updates throughout the John Carroll-Marietta volleyball match starting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2008. Please check this space continuously over the course of this contest for the latest score, and how the match is shaping up.

Just remember to hit refresh!

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8:40 pm - Marietta's playoff hopes are dissolving before our very eyes. While they remained competative throughout the first three games, they lose the final three. JCU wins 25-13.

8:38 pm - Great cognizance from McDiarmid as she drops an ace in front of the deep Marietta defense. JCU leads 18-10.

8:31 pm - Game 3 stats: Hitting percentages largely improved for both squads: John Carroll at a .364 clip and Marietta at .333. Errors that were abundant in the first game were nearly gone in the third game, only three. Gambone led with 5 kills, followed by 3 for Kidd. Kidd had two aces. Both players accounted for 10 of John Carroll's 25 points.

8:26 pm - This is the first game in which John Carroll has held a significant lead early on. A 4-1 lead illicits a timeout from Marietta Coach Ray Costa.

8:22 pm - John Carroll wins the third game 25-22

8:18 pm - McDiarmid is whistled for a net violation. The Marietta point ties the score at 21 before two quick points by JCU. 23-21 John Carroll

8:12 pm - The dogfight continues. This time, the southpaw setter Meredith McDiarmid finds a soft spot in the defense. Marietta won't go down without a fight, in fact, they quietly have the lead.

8:09 pm - Another lethal spike from Gambone gives JCU a 12-9 lead. A far cry from the 7-1 deficit they had to overcome in the first game.

8:06 pm - Kristen Kidd is firing spikes to the floor. The dangerous combination of Kidd and senior Megan Gambone has Marietta on their heels.

7:58 pm - John Carroll takes the second game by an identical score of 25-21. Senior Katie Hastings had a big block to give JCU the first point after a Marietta timeout.

7:54 pm - We officially have a nailbiter. An inevitable kill is countered by a spectacular dig or a huge block. This game is going down to the wire. John Carroll leads 22-21 but there is no telling where this one may end up.

7:51 pm - Once again, a timout works wonders for John Carroll who now trails their opponent by only one: 17-16.

7:47 pm - After being 0n or around a tie game through the first 25 points of game 2, Marietta begins to widen the gap. By virture of tremendous digs and uncanny blocks, the Pioneers are able to possess a 17-13 lead.

7:40 pm - Game one stats of note: Marietta had 6 blocks, Jessie Blackley factored in on 4 (2 solo, 2 assists). JCU possessed a dismal hitting percentage of -.071. Registering only 8 kills and 11 errors.

One can sense the enthusiasm gap between John Carroll and Marietta. The despiration of the Pioneers is palpable, but they are having fun.

7:33 pm - Timeouts can work wonders. Marietta rattled off 2 subsequent points to take the first game by a score of 25-21. John Carroll escaped humiliation with a strong showing late in the game.

7:30 pm - Tables may have turned after the JCU timeout. 5 straight points for John Carroll closes the gap to 21-23. Timeout Marietta.

7:28 pm - Trouble! The Blue Streaks use another timeout with only 1 point to give. 23-17 Marietta.

7:25 pm - Megan Gambone reached over to block a shot, resulting in a Marietta point. Coach Plummer's abbreviated argument does not sway the referees

7:22 pm - Kristen Kidd rallies John Carroll with an ace to culminate a 4-point streak for the Streaks. 18-12 Marietta.

7:16 pm - John Carroll is overpowered on every ball near the net. Marietta has come to play tonight. If the Blue Streaks keep playing like this, an eight seed awaits them in the playoffs. 14-5 Pioneers

7:14 pm - After a Marietta 7-1 early run, Coach Cally Plummer is forced to call a timeout to regain team composure.

7:10 pm - Lights, camera, action! The players have been announced and we are seconds away from competition. Motivation is high for this despirate Marietta squad, a loss would eliminate the Pioneers from playoff contention.

6:47 pm - About 13 minutes away from the start of tonight's match. Before we begin, we will have a short ceremony to honor the five seniors -- Colleen Cavanagh, Meagan Gambone, Katie hastings, Emily Jackson and Amanda Scalise.