Nov. 24, 2000
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue volleyball team won back the Monon Spike Friday when it defeated Indiana 15-9, 17-15, 15-13, 10-15, 17-15. The Boilermakers improved to 13-18 (5-14 Big Ten) on the season, while Indiana fell to 15-14 (6-13 Big Ten).
"It is certainly great to have the trophy back," head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer said. "You have to give credit to the players. Tonight was a see-saw battle, and it was truly indicative of an intrastate rivalry."
The Boilermakers had four players in double figures. Rookie Joanna Lowry was just six kills shy of the school record with 32. Senior Julie Doud and freshman Eryn Leach were both good for 21, and junior Maegan Petersen had 10 on the night.
Rookie Jen Bova led the passing game for Purdue and recorded a season-high 65 assists. She and Doud both had 15 digs. Lowry and Petersen each recorded 13 digs on the night and junior Lori Knicker was in double figures with 10.
Indiana took Game 1, 15-9, and got out to a 4-0 lead to start Game 2. The Hoosiers extended that lead to 6-2 before the Boilermakers went on a 5-1 run to knot the game 7-all. Kills from Leach and Lowry put Purdue up by two. The Old Gold and Black could not shake Indiana as it gave chase to tie the game again at the 13, 14 and 15 marks. But an ace from Petersen and a kill from Leach gave Purdue the win.
The Boilermakers got off to a 6-1 start in Game 3, but Indiana responded with four unanswered points, bringing the score to 6-5. Purdue responded with a 6-1 run. The Hoosiers response was a 6-0 run of their own to knot the game 12-all. The win would be Purdue's as it went on a 3-1 run to close the match.
Indiana's 15-10 win in Game 4 pushed the match to a rally scoring Game 5. The win was for the Boilermakers as they claimed the 17-15 victory.
Purdue will close out regular season Saturday when it faces No. 8 Penn State. Saturday's match will be senior night and the Boilermakers will pay tribute to Doud, Melissa Risher, Laura Norton and former player Christi Kelsey. Action begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on WAZY 1410 AM and www.purduesports.com.