Nov. 17, 1999
MADISON, Wis. - The Purdue volleyball team fell in three to the Wisconsin Badgers tonight (3-15, 10-15, 6-15). The Boilermakers now stand at 15-11 (7-10 Big Ten), while Wisconsin improves to 19-8 (12-5 Big Ten). First-year Purdue head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer gives the Badgers credit for the win.
"We have to hand it to Wisconsin," Hulsmeyer said."Ball control and serving were major factors, and they did well in both."
The Badgers hit for .234 percent, while holding Purdue to a mere .071. The Boilers recorded 25 attack errors and failed to return six Wisconsin serves.
Purdue struggled in Game 1, hitting for only .067. The Badgers got off to an early 6-1 advantage, then ran a 9-2 run to take the game 15-3. Sophomore Sherisa Livingston led Wisconsin with four kills.
The Boilers came into Game 2 playing more consistently, but could not pull off the win. Purdue began on a 5-2 run. The Badgers responded by scoring the next three, to tie the game 5-all. The score would knot again at the 6, 7, 8 and 10 marks, before the Badgers scored five unanswered points, taking the game 15-10.
Wisconsin took Game 3 by beginning on a 13-4 run. The Boilers got in two more kills, but could not stop the Badgers, who took the last game of the match 15-6.
With tonight's match begin them, the Boilers look forward to their last home match Nov. 20 against Northwestern. The match, which has been designated senior night, will begin at 7 p.m. and be broadcast live on WAZY (1410 AM) and www.purduesports.com. Hulsmeyer looks forward to Saturday.
"Saturday will be a big night for us," Hulsmeyer said. "At this point, we have to come out and play as well as we can."