Sept. 15, 2000
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Purdue volleyball team fell 15-11, 12-15, 14-16, 9-15 to American University in its first match of the American Classic. The Boilermakers fell to 8-2, while the Eagles improved to 8-1.
"We have to learn how to stay aggressive and put matches away," Purdue head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer said. "We had some breakdowns in our passing which forced us into just a leftside attack. In key situations we have to keep all our attackers involved."
Senior Julie Doud scored 25 kills, only one shy of her career-high. Freshman Joanna Lowry followed with 16 kills and led the team with 19 digs. Senior setter Melissa Risher notched a career-high 52 assists.
Purdue made only seven errors on 63 attempts to hit at a clip of .349 (29-7-63) in Game 1. Doud recorded 10 kills to lead both teams in scoring and the Boilermakers got off to a 6-2 advantage. Two kills from sophomore Tiffany Yoskey, a kill from junior Maegan Petersen and a dump set from senior Melissa Risher increased Purdue's lead to 10-2. American went on a 7-2 run to get within four, but a block assist from Petersen and classmate Jennie Williams gave Purdue gamepoint at 14-9. The Eagles would get in two more points, but a kill from Doud would give the Boilermakers the game.
That would be Purdue's lone win of the night. American picked up Game 2 with a 15-12 win.
Purdue scored five unanswered points to start Game 3. American came back to score five of its own to knot the 5-all. The scored would tie again at the 6 and 7 marks before Purdue went on a 6-2 run to bring the score to 13-9. American was not ready to give up the win. The Eagles orchestrated a 7-1 run of their own to shock Purdue and take the game 16-14. They would also take Game 4, 15-9.
The Boilermakers continue action in the American Classic Saturday at noon when they face North Carolina State.