SPARTANS GROWING IN CHINA

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL (CHINA TOUR)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2007
TWU SPARTANS (1) VS. NANKAI UNIVERSITY (3)
(25-17, 25-10, 17-25, 25-19)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPARTANS GROWING IN CHINA

BEIJING, China - On Monday evening the Trinity Western University women's volleyball team played their third match of their tour of China. Led by Julie Koepke with eight kills, five blocks and three aces and Dayna Jansen Van Doorn with eight kills and eight blocks the Spartans fell 3-1 (25-17, 25-10, 17-25, 25-19) to Nankai University.

Earlier this week the Spartans fell 3-0 to Nankai, 25-17, 25-20 and 28-26.

"We played much better this evening then the first time we played them. We had strong performances from Liz Spear, Julie Koepke, Chelsea Hudson and Kim Klassen. Nankai played tough volleyball," said TWU head coach Ryan Hofer. "The depth of this team is something we've always talked about and tonight was a great example. We are missing two starters and the girls came around and put together a competitive match against a very good University.

The Spartans were without starters Alicia Van Huizen and Julie McLeod. Both are expected to be ready for their next and final match of their tour of China, which is on Wed. Dec. 19 against Tanjin Institute of Technology. "Our goal is to continually get better as a team and to focus on meeting our standards each and every set. We're learning and growing and it is an exciting process," added Hofer.

In addition to their matches the Spartans will be providing Christmas gifts to the students and staff of the Handicapped Children's Center run by the Jian Hua Society- a Christian organization in China. They will also be providing gifts and playing with about 30 deaf children from kindergarten of the Disabled Person's Association, an organization run by the Tianjin government.

Tentative Schedule
Dec. 12 Depart Vancouver for Beijing
Dec. 13 Arrive in Beijing
Dec. 14 Game at 7:30 p.m. vs Nankai University 3-0 loss (17-25, 20-25, 26-28)
Dec. 15 2 p.m. at Christmas Party at Jian Hua Handicapped Children's Center
Dec. 16 Game vs TUT at 3 p.m.
Dec. 17 Match at 7:30 p.m. vs TUI 3-1 loss (17-25, 24-26, 25-14, 23-25)
Dec. 19 Visit to JHF Center, Game vs TUT at 4 p.m.
Dec. 22 Depart for Canada

-TW-

Last Updated: 2007-12-18
Author: Scott Stewart
Email: ssstew@twu.ca