Saturday, October 11, 2003

Valparaiso remained perfect in the Mid-Continent Conference after winning a thrilling five-game match over IUPUI 19-30, 30-26, 30-24, 23-30, 15-13 on Saturday evening in Indianapolis.

With the win, the Crusaders improve to 18-4 overall, 6-0 in the Mid-Continent Conference.

Marion Hansen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley H.S.) led the Crusaders with 18 kills while hitting .300. She also added 18 digs on the evening. Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larkin H.S.) added 13 kills and six blocks, while Liz Mikos (Dundee, Ill./Jacobs H.S.) chipped in 11 kills.

Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) led the Crusaders defensively with 20 digs, while Sarah Schmalz (Corona, Calif./Riverside Christian H.S.) blocked nine Jaguar shots.

Angela Vinson led IUPUI, the Mid-Con preseason favorites, with 20 kills and hit .293, while Tiffany Holladay and Rebekah Pallikan each added 18 kills. Erin Jones had 23 digs for the Jaguars, while Pallikan added 21 digs.

For the match, Valpo hit .166 compared with IUPUI's .205 and was outdug 97-88, but outblocked the Jaguars 14-12.

IUPUI now falls to 9-10 overall, 3-2 in the Mid-Con.

Valparaiso will return to action next Friday, when the Crusaders conclude the first half of conference play against Oakland in Rochester, Mich. First serve is set for 7 p.m.