Saturday, October 26, 2002

After digging themselves in a hole trailing by two games, the Valparaiso volleyball team rebounded to post a 3-2 victory over Oakland on Saturday evening in Rochester, Mich.

The Crusaders dropped the opening two games 26-30 and 27-30, before posting 30-21, 30-24, and 15-9 wins in the final three.

Valpo hit .550 in the deciding fifth game with 11 kills and no hitting errors.

Michelle Robinson (Bloomington, Ill./Normal H.S.) led the Brown and Gold with 21 kills, while Marion Hansen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley H.S.) and Heather Hynds (Sylvan Lake, Ill./Mundelein H.S.) each added 13 more.

Hansen also led the Crusaders with 23 digs, while Robinson chipped in ten giving them each double-doubles. Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) added 22 digs, while Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) pitched in 19 more.

Cyndi Norman also recorded a double-double on the evening, tallying 58 assists and 15 digs. Hynds led Valpo with seven blocks.

Cortney Varterasian Led the Golden Grizzlies with 20 kills and 24 digs, while Pattie Hunter added 15 kills. Beth Ann Rourk and Lauren Bramos each added 22 digs for the hosts.

Valpo outhit Oakland .207-.150 for the match, outdigging the Golden Grizzlies 115-108.

Valparaiso (14-7, 5-2 Mid-Continent Conference) will travel to Eastern Michigan on Sunday for a 12 p.m. CST match.