Saturday, November 08, 2003

Valparaiso University guaranteed its at least a share of the Mid-Continent Conference volleyball title on Saturday evening as the Crusaders swept Chicago State in three games, 30-22, 30-12, 30-27 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

With the win, the Crusaders improve to 24-7 on the season and 12-1 in the Mid-Continent Conference. Valpo also secured the number one seed in the upcoming Mid-Continent Conference Tournament.

Liz Mikos (Dundee, Ill./Jacobs H.S.) led the Crusader assault both offensively and defensively. The sophomore hit .667 with ten kills and no errors offensively, and tallied ten blocks, including four solos on defense. Sarah Schmalz (Corona, Calif./Riverside Christian H.S.) was one of three Crusaders with six kills, and hit .750 in the process.

Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) tallied a match-high 12 digs, while Jessi Novak (Antigo, Wis./Antigo H.S.) added 11 more. Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) chipped in with five service aces.

Alison West and Stacey Cole each led Chicago State (7-21, 5-7 Mid-Con) with nine kills, while West added a team-high ten digs.

Valpo hit .331 for the match with 47 kills and just eight attack errors, while the Cougars hit .157 with 43 kills. Valpo tallied 12 aces in the match, while posting 11 blocks. Both schools recorded 52 digs.

Valparaiso will look to clinch the conference title outright on Friday evening as the Crusaders host Oakland in the regular season finale. First serve on Senior Night is set for 7 p.m.