Tuesday, October 15, 2002

The Valparaiso University volleyball team snapped a 17-match losing skid against Butler, defeating the Bulldogs 30-26, 30-22, 30-25 on Tuesday evening at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The win against Butler was Valpo's first since 1984, and only the Crusaders third ever in 24 tries dating back to the 1979 season.

Elissa Malthaner (Brighton, Mich./Brighton H.S.) and Heather Hynds (Sylvan Lake, Ill./Mundelein H.S.) led the Brown and Gold's offensive on the evening. Malthaner pounded down 15 kills in 24 attempts, hitting .542 for the night, while Hynds hit at a .471 rate with nine kills. Michelle Robinson (Bloomington, Ill./Normal H.S.) tallied 11 kills as the second Crusader in double-figures. Cyndi Norman (Minooka, Ill./Minooka H.S.) dished out a match-high 37 assists for Valpo.

Defensively, Hynds and Malthaner each led the Valpo blockers as well. Hynds tallied seven blocks, while Malthaner added four more as the team registered ten rejections on the night.

Four Crusaders tallied double-figure dig totals. Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) had 16 to lead the Brown and Gold, while Norman and Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) each added 13. Robinson also dug 13 balls to complete her double-double.

Kali Carter led Butler (9-13) with 12 kills and 10 digs, while Megan Knightly recorded a match-high 17 digs. Amanda Matthews had 29 assists and three aces for the Bulldogs in the loss.

For the match, Valparaiso tallied 50 kills to the Bulldogs 36, and outdug the home team 72-61. The Brown and Gold hit .223 for the match, while Butler hit at a .054 rate.

Valpo (12-7) won its third straight match, and will return to action this Friday evening as the Crusaders return to conference play hosting Oakland. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.