(Posted September 10, 2004)

Juniata 3, Walsh 1
Juniata 3, Shippensburg 0

Ashland, Ohio. ? Juniata College women?s volleyball coach Larry Bock added another milestone to his impressive resume as he earned his 1,000th career victory with a pair of Juniata wins at the Ashland Invitational in Ashland, Ohio Friday. Bock earned win 999 as the Eagles topped Walsh 3-1 in the afternoon, then claimed the historic 1,000th triumph as Juniata swept past Shippensburg 3-0.

With the victories Bock becomes the first NCAA women?s volleyball coach in history to reach the 1,000 win plateau. He is the winningest coach in NCAA women?s volleyball with his career record of 1,000-167 in 27-plus seasons as the head coach. Al Scates, the head coach of the UCLA men?s program is the only collegiate volleyball mentor with more career wins than Bock.

?It was really nice to see all the people get excited, ?Bock stated. ?This is such a neat group of kids with a lot of heart, and it was great to see their energy. I don?t count a lot of things, but someone is, and I?m very grateful for that tonight.?

The Eagles put themselves in position to reach the milestone with a tough 3-1 win over Walsh. Juniata took game one, dropped game two, and then won a pair of tough games to earn the win.

Stephanie Kines (Towson/Towson, Md.) paced the Eagle attack with 17 kills while Erin Wisor (Altoona/Altoona), Lindsey Habel (Glen Oaks/Canton, Ohio), Rachael Schatz (West Perry/Elliotsburg) and Katie Laucks (West York/York) were all in double figures. Juniata piled up 66 kills in the win with setter Carli Dale (Cochranton/Cochranton) passed out 56 assists.

?That Walsh win was one of the better wins we?ve had during my time here,? Bock stated. ?That?s a real good team, and we showed some real toughness. That?s a very big win for us.?

Tara McMinn (Huntingdon/Huntingdon) paced Juniata?s defense with 22 digs, while Dale added 11 and Abby Leonard (Shade/Johnstown) chipped in 10.

On the verge of making history, Juniata then made quick work of Shippensburg, earning the 3-0 win by scores of 30-20, 30-13 and 30-22.

The jump serving of Laucks helped Juniata get an early lead in game one, and then would not look back as they rolled to the win. Laucks finished with a team-best nine kills along with an ace. Katie Charles (Manheim Township/Lancaster) came off the bench to add nine finishes of her own. Three Eagles tallied 10 digs in the game, as Juniata?s defense and serving controlled the match.

With the final whistle, the Eagles put Bock on their shoulders and carried him off the court in celebration of the achievement.

?I get my enjoyment from them [the players],? Bock explained. ?If anything happens with the team that makes them smile and happy for a little bit then that?s worth it.?

The two wins improved Juniata?s record to 5-1 on the season. The Eagles will be back in action on Saturday as they play West Virginia Wesleyan and Edinboro on the final day of the tournament.

Juniata will be holding a ceremony to celebrate Bock?s milestone following the team?s conference opener against Albright on Tuesday September 14.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.