Tuesday, October 28, 2003

Valparaiso saw its 17-match homecourt win streak come to an end on Tuesday evening as the Loyola (Ill.) Ramblers defeated the Crusaders in three games 30-20, 30-24, 30-27 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

The Ramblers hit .265 in game one and .260 in the second on their way to a .247 hitting night and the victory.

Jessie Fox (Granger, Ill./Penn H.S.) came off of the bench to lead the Crusaders with 13 kills hitting .242 on the night, while Marion Hansen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley H.S.) added nine more kills. Sarah Schmalz (Corona, Calif./Riverside Christian H.S.) and Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larkin H.S.) each had eight kills.

Defensively, Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) led all players with 21 digs, while Hansen added 11 and Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) contributed ten digs.

Nichol Amberg led Loyola (12-13) with 15 kills and 15 digs, while hitting .324. Courtney Ashley added 11 kills and 12 digs, while Jorie Miguel added a double-double with ten kills and 11 digs. Carrie Culos hit .429 with seven kills, while Lauren Holbrook dished out 45 assists.

As a team, Valpo (21-6) outdug Loyola 69-65, but was outblocked 5-4. The Crusaders hit just .175 on the evening.

The Brown and Gold will look to return to the win column on Friday evening as Valparaiso takes to the road to face Western Illinois. First serve is set for 7 p.m. in Macomb, Ill.