Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Valparaiso jumped out to a fast start on Tuesday evening and quickly defeated Toledo 30-17, 30-20, 30-28 in front of the home fans at the Athletics-Recreation Center, on their way to winning a school record 11th straight match.

Game one saw Valpo's defense shut down the Rockets, holding the visitors to just six kills and a -.091 hitting percentage, while Valpo put down 14 balls and hit .278. The Crusaders were even hotter in game two, hitting a blistering .432 with 18 kills. Game three was closer, with the Brown and Gold holding on for the victory.

Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larkin H.S.) hit .391 for the Crusaders with 12 kills and five blocks to lead the way. Amy Palash (Winfield, Ill./Saint Francis H.S.) and Jessi Novak (Antigo, Wis./Antigo H.S.) each added ten kills, while Novak completing the double-double with ten digs. Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) also recorded one of her own, dishing out 34 assists and adding ten digs.

Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) saw her string of 36 matches with double-figure dig totals come to an end, as the senior recorded nine.

Rachel Mohler led Toledo (12-5) with 13 kills and ten digs, while also hitting .435 for the night. Lora Sarich also added ten digs.

For the match, Valpo hit .287 while holding the Rockets to .026. The Crusaders also outblocked Toledo 12-1 and held a 51-46 advantage in digs.

Valparaiso (17-3) has now bettered its previous longest winning streak of ten, from September 29 through October 21 of 1995. The Crusaders will look to extend the streak to 12 on Friday evening as the Brown and Gold hosts Oakland in a 7 p.m. match at the ARC.