Saturday, September 17, 2005

Valparaiso's defense continued their exceptional play Saturday afternoon, recording 17 blocks in a 3-1 (27-30, 30-24, 30-26, 30-25) victory over Villanova at the InnTowner Invitational in Madison, Wis.

Liz Mikos (Dundee, Ill./Jacobs H.S.) led the Crusaders with ten blocks for the second straight match, while Jessie Fox (Granger, Ind./Penn H.S.) and Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larkin H.S.) chipped in six apiece. The Brown and Gold have now registered at least ten blocks in each of their last six matches.

Mikos also led Valpo offensively, recording a season-high 16 kills. Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) added 14 kills and 49 assists. Heidi Hammond (Crown Point, Ind./Merrillville H.S.) led all players with 21 digs, and Amy Palash (Winfield, Ill./Saint Francis H.S.) posted 20 digs of her own to go along with 12 kills.

Adrian Semrau led Villanova (10-2) with 17 kills, while Celine Nguyen registered a double-double with 15 kills and 18 digs. Kelly Ludwig tallied six blocks in the losing effort for the Wildcats.

Valparaiso (9-2) wraps up play at the InnTowner Invitational later this evening as the Crusaders face #13 Wisconsin. First serve is slated for 7 p.m.