DATE: Sunday, September 14, 1997            TAG: 9709140247

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C11  EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: VICKI L. FRIEDMAN

                                            LENGTH:   92 lines

COLLEGE REPORT [BRIEFS]

VOLLEYBALL

Move to Division I gives NSU squad respect, opportunity

A win is a win, right? At least that's the cliche coaches often say to scribbling reporters after an ugly victory. But sometimes a win is more than a win.

A week ago the Norfolk State volleyball team outlasted the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore 15-8, 13-15, 12-15, 15-10, 15-9, producing what coach Wilhelmenia Wright-Harrison calls history in the making.

Indeed, it was the Spartanettes' first victory as a member of the MEAC, but more significantly, says Wright-Harrison, the first Division I win by a Norfolk State team in any sport. Norfolk State is in its first season in Division I.

The Spartanettes have played and beaten D-I opponents in the past, but being one of the big guys gives this year a new feel, says Wright-Harrison.

``Last year, I thought, `We'll be playing the same teams; how can it be any different?' '' Wright-Harrison said. ``But once you step into that arena as a Division I team, it's a different feeling. You definitely get more respect.''

That along with opportunity to advance to a national tournament. With their tallest player listed at just 5-foot-10, the Spartanettes will be hindered by a lack of height and will rely on defense to carry them through the MEAC. The team's leader is former All-CIAA selection April Johnson, who had 307 kills last season as a junior.

Wright-Harrison is tired of attending the NCAA Tournament as a spectator and, while admitting getting there is a longshot this year, at least it's a possibility, she said.

BASEBALL

Former ODU players are turning heads as pros

Former ODU pitcher Wayne Gomes has a 3-1 record with a 5.11 earned-run average out of the Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen this season. He has pitched in 37 innings with 21 strikeouts and 23 walks. Gomes, chosen by the Phillies with the fourth overall pick of the 1993 draft, is getting his first taste of major-league competition.

His former ODU teammate Kevin Gibbs had a big year in the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor-league farm system. Playing at Double-A San Antonio, Gibbs batted .335, stole 49 bases and scored 89 runs. He finished the season second in the Texas League in stolen bases, third in batting average and fifth in runs.

Also, former ODU pitcher Geoff Edsell won 14 games for Vancouver, the Triple-A affiliate of the Anaheim Angels.

SOCCER

ODU men start strong; women give U.Va. scare

ODU men's soccer coach Alan Dawson attributes his team's improvement - the Monarchs won their first two games after going 3-17 last season - to confidence, motivation and the desire of his upperclassmen not to repeat the same disappointing season.

``Our attitude has changed and we're a little more aggressive in terms of going after teams and not letting them turn the tables on us,'' Dawson said.

The women's team, on the other hand, got a confidence boost from a close loss. On the heels of a 7-1 shelling by William and Mary in the opener, ODU beat Temple and led seventh-ranked U.Va. 1-0 at the half in Charlottesville. A late goal by former Norfolk Academy star Angela Hucles, now a U.Va. sophomore, rallied the Cavaliers to win the game.

``A close loss under the circumstances was a huge victory for us psychologically,'' coach Joe Periera said. ``We're going up there to take on No. 7 in the country and we obviously stretched them to the limits.''

MEN'S SOCCER

Virginia Wesleyan gets depth from DePalma

Virginia Wesleyan soccer player Gary DePalma, an All-American last season, got off to a quick start this year with two goals and two assists in the Marlins' first two games.

DePalma, a midfielder from Upper St. Clair, Pa., is one of six seniors who coach Sonny Travis expects to lend leadership to a young team. DePalma seems up to the task: The season was barely three minutes old before he assisted on a goal by freshman Vin Sciullo. . . . The Marlins soccer tournament, the Blue Marlin Lanzera Classic, continues this afternoon. At 1 p.m., Allentown College meets Randolph Macon and the Marlins play Connecticut College at 3 p.m.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

2 shutouts in 4 games for Virgina Wesleyan's Swanson

Freshman goalie Janine Swan-son has recorded two shutouts in the first four games of Virginia Wesleyan's women's soccer season. Swanson has played every minute of the season in place of junior keeper Jenny Campioli, who started every game as a freshman and sophomore. Campioli is out with a sprained ankle but should return for today's contest at Sweet Briar.

SAILING

ODU sailing teams make waves with rankings

The Monarchs and Lady Monarchs are both ranked in the preseason as voted by a panel of college coaches in Sailing World magazine. The Monarchs are ranked eighth; the Lady Monarchs 11th.

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