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Printer-Friendly ModeSVSU bows out to Wichita State in semis
April 19, 2010 —
SVSU had dreams of overcoming a season full of struggles and winning a national championship.
Wichita State had its own dreams.
For the second consecutive year, the Shockers defeated the Cardinals in the national tournament, eventually going on to win the national championship.
The Cardinals finished tied for third with Lindenwood University.
After traveling to El Paso, Texas, SVSU opened with William Paterson University.
The Cardinals made quick work of the club team, winning by a score of 4-1.
In the second round, Nebraska tried to get in the Cardinals’ way although SVSU won in a sweep 4-0.
The third round featured two of the most storied programs in the country in SVSU and Wichita State. The Shockers won the series 4-1.
After the loss, the Cardinals were sent to the losers bracket.
In order for the Cardinals to win the championship, they would have to win out.
Robert Morris was next on the schedule for SVSU. The Cardinals won 4-2, sending them to the semifinals which set up a rematch against Wichita State. To get to the finals, SVSU would have had to beat Wichita State twice.
The Shockers had other plans.
SVSU was swept, ending its season. Even with the loss, junior Jeremy Dixson was satisfied with the finish.
“I’m pleased with our finish because after the long and difficult season we had, third place is a good place for us to finish,” Dixson said.
A season that was filled with multiple suspensions handed down by head coach Dan Dorion saw the Cardinals come together near the end of the season to qualify for the national tournament. Dixson thinks the Cardinals can use the obstacles they faced this season as a learning tool.
“We did a good job of putting everything behind us and that is what made us successful this weekend,” he said. “When we come together as a team, we saw that we are a tough team to beat no matter who we bowl.”
Senior Mike Snow was a big part of the Cardinals success. Dixson thinks it will take a complete team effort to replace him.
“You can’t replace a Mike Snow,” Dixson said. “He’s an academic All-American who was a great leader on and off the lanes. He was always there to help you out and give you pointers.”
With Snow the only player the Cardinals lose, Dixson sees the team making another run at the championship next season.
“We gained a lot of experience this year with a relatively young team,” Dixson said. “I think we will be able to use the experience we gained throughout this season and carry it over into next season.”
If the Cardinals advance as far as Dixson hopes, he believes there is a good chance they will have to compete against Wichita State. While defeating the Shockers has proven to be a difficult task the last two seasons, Dixson thinks the Cardinals have what it takes to beat them next season.
“It will take a lot of heart and the ability to hit some quality shots in order for us to beat them,” Dixson said.