Nov. 3, 2000
PURDUE SWEPT BY MICHIGAN For Immediate Release November 3, 2000
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Purdue volleyball team fell 15-5, 15-5, 15-9 to Michigan in Cliff Keen Arena. With the loss, the Boilermakers fell to 11-14 (3-10 Big Ten) and the Wolverines improved to 14-10 (4-9 Big Ten).
"We just didn't play well tonight," head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer said. "We didn't execute and our defense lacked focus. We have got to find some way to come back and win in tough situations. I felt we had a good week of practice, but its different when you get into the match atmosphere."
Rookie Joanna Lowry led the Old Gold and Black in kills with 13 for Purdue, while junior Maegan Petersen recorded 10 on the evening.
Purdue could not overcome an early 6-0 deficit to the Wolverines in Game 1. A kill from senior setter Melissa Risher, Lowry and an out of bounds error cut the Michigan lead to three. The Boilermakers could only muster a couple more points as the Maize and Blue went on a 9-2 run to win 15-5.
The problems for the Old Gold and Black continued into Game 2 as the Boilermakers were held to a hitting percentage of .059 (10-8-34), and were stopped 15-5 once again.
Purdue was again found itself down to begin Game 3. The Wolverines got out to a 9-1 lead. The Boilermakers attempted a comeback, but were unable to deliver as Michigan went on to win 15-9.
The Boilermakers will face No. 22 Michigan State on Saturday in East Lansing. The match will begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on WAZY 1410 AM and www.purduesports.com.
"We have got to move on and move ahead," Hulsmeyer said. "We needed one win this weekend, so we'll attempt to do that tomorrow. We have to focus and come out ready to play."