Saturday, October 21, 2006

Valparaiso found itself on the wrong end of a sweep Friday night, as IPFW came into the ARC and defeated the Crusaders 3-0 (30-25, 30-25, 30-22).

The match turned in the middle of game two. While Valpo was down one game to none, the Crusaders enjoyed a 20-11 advantage and looked poised to head into the break knotted up at one game apiece. But the Mastodons had other plans, putting together a 17-3 run, led by four service aces from Rebekah Roehm, to seize control of the game and the match.

Brittany Marks (Elkhart, Ind./Memorial) led the Brown and Gold on the back line for the 31st straight match, dating back to last season, as she picked up 22 digs on the evening. Up front, the Crusader block was paced by senior Jessie Fox (Granger, Ind./Penn) who picked up four rejections, including one of the solo variety.

Fox also shared team-high honors in kills with ten, joined by freshman Angie Porché (Lynwood, Ill./Thornton Fractional South). Nicole Schulz (Kewaskum, Wis./Kettle Moraine Lutheran) continued to be efficient with her attacks, putting down eight kills on only 17 swings for a team-best .412 hitting percentage.

Amanda Pfisterr led the Mastodons with 16 kills, and picked up ten digs as well to earn a double-double. Peachy Jankowski paced IPFW with 16 digs.

IPFW (18-10) earned the victory with a .290 hitting percentage, out-performing the Crusaders' .175 clip. The Mastodons also registered eight service aces to just one for Valpo. The Brown and Gold held narrow edges in digs (62-61) and blocks (7-6).

Valparaiso (15-9) hits the road for a three-match weekend, starting next Friday night as the Crusaders take on Mid-Con foe Centenary. First serve is slated for 7:00 p.m.