PINCONNING - Feb. 2, 2006 - Tradition can be a bit intimidating. The Whittemore-Prescott girls volleyball team discovered that Wednesday as perennial champion Pinconning laid a 25-14, 25-14, 25-5 loss on the Cards, keeping the Spartans unbeaten in NEMC play.

"I felt the girls were totally intimidated," said W-P coach Helen Loomis. "Serve reception and defense fell apart, they lost their confidence and just didn't play up to their ability.

"Pinny played great defense and had some strong servers, not to mention a very loud and supportive home crowd. We have a much better game; we just did not show it tonight."

Alyssa Gruszynski led Pinny (3-0 NEMC) with 10 kills and 11 digs, with Lori LaFave adding 22 assists and Sam Bellhorn 12 aces.

Erin Grezeszak and Erica Loomis had four kills apiece for the Cards (16-10-3, 2-2 NEMC), with Stephanie Aviles adding seven assists and two aces and Kristie Degesie with five digs.