Friday, November 14, 2003

The Valparaiso University volleyball team won its first outright Mid-Continent Conference title on Friday evening after the Crusaders swept Oakland 30-14, 30-10, 30-14 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

The Crusaders hit .454 for the match, fifth best in Valpo school history for a three-game match. The Brown and Gold committed just one error all night, while slamming down 50 kills. Oakland was held to .024 hitting in the match.

Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larkin H.S.) led the Crusaders hitting .667 with 14 kills, while Marion Hansen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley H.S.) added 11 kills and 11 digs, hitting .407. Michelle Robinson (Bloomington, Ill./Normal H.S.) added ten kills and hit .435. Sarah Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) led Valpo with 18 digs defensively.

Sara Miller led Oakland (6-21, 5-9 Mid-Con) with eight kills, while Katie Lozier tallied 14 digs.

Valparaiso finishes the regular season with a 25-7 record overall and a 13-1 mark in the Mid-Con. Head coach Carin Avery notched her 100th career victory with the win, doing so in just 141 matches.

Valpo will host the Mid-Con Tournament next Friday and Saturday, with the Crusaders opening round opponent to be determined this Saturday. The Crusaders will play the 7:30 p.m. semifinal.