Aug. 30, 2003
Stats
Box Score
Fresno, CA--Ali Gorny and new Bengal Martha Brinton helped lead the Idaho State Bengals to wins over Fresno State and New Mexico, putting the Bengals above the .500 mark for the first time since the 2001 season. ISU defeated Fresno, 28-30, 30-22, 27-30, 30-26, 15-9 and New Mexico, 26-30, 30-20, 30-19, 30-22.
What made the performance of the two players even more amazing was that it came less than 24 hours after the two collided and received concussions.
Gorny, a junior from Littlerock, CA, was once again a nearly unstoppable offensive weapon, totaling 25 kills against Fresno State, then following that up with 22 against New Mexico, giving her 22 or more kills in all three matches this season. She also topped the 10-dig mark in both matches Saturday, giving here three triple-doubles this season.
"Ali was the physical outside hitter in the tournament," Coach Mike Welch said. "She came up big in the tournament."
Brinton, a junior transfer from Salt Lake City, had 58 assists against Fresno State, a career high. She also added 14 digs, five blocks and three service aces. Against New Mexico she totaled 37 assists, eight digs and nine kills.
"Martha is the real deal," Welch said. "She is a big time setter who really got a chance to shine this weekend. She showed how tough she is to come back from a concussion and play the way she did."
Just one day after losing a two games to one lead against Cal-Poly, the Bengals rallied from a two games to one deficit against the host Fresno State. After dropping game one against UNM, they rolled in the final three games to move above the .500 mark for the first time since starting the season 3-2 in 2001.
As a team the Bengals hit .330 against Fresno State and .318 against New Mexico. ISU also posted 17 blocks against the Bulldogs, including eight block performances by both Jennie James and Kamie Olsen. James had a career-high 20 kills against Fresno State, while Olsen had 16 kills and a .625 attach percentage against the Bulldogs.
Blocking won the Fresno State match, we put on an exhibition," Welch said. "I think that the loss to Cal Poly was a building block for us. We were composed when we went down 2-1 against Fresno and never lost our composure. We became more efficient and that might have led to the wins."
The Bengals (2-1) will return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Logan, UT, to face Utah State at 7:00 p.m.
