CINCINNATI, Ohio – In the Boilermakers' first top-10 matchup of the season, No. 6 Purdue (4-1) suffered its first loss of the season to No. 10 Louisville (7-0) in straight sets (19-25, 16-25, 21-25).
An effective Cardinal block, which entered the match No. 10 in the nation, caused problems for the Boilermakers, forcing a season-high 18 errors on their way to holding Purdue to just a .124 hitting %.
The Boilermakers were led by setter Hayley Bush, who notched her first double-double of the season, finishing the day with 25 assists and 12 digs. Meanwhile Caitlyn Newton secured a team-best 11 kills.
Defensively, 2020 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Jena Otec produced 20 digs after seeing 19 receptions and a perfect reception rate.
Set 1
A back and forth battle ensued for the first 24 serves before Louisville began to pull away. The Boilermakers allowed a 4-0 run for the Cardinals to take the eventual game-winning lead with a 14-18 advantage. Purdue was led by Maddie Koch and Newton (three kills apiece) while Bush's four digs were a team-best.
Set 2
The Purdue offense was stifled by seven Louisville blocks in the set. Grace Cleveland proved to be the most effective with a .429 hitting efficiency (four kills, one error on seven swings), while Newton put down five kills. In the back row, libero Otec secured seven digs in an effort to slow the Louisville attack.
Set 3
Purdue took a quick 2-0 lead and were able to spread the attack with six Boilermakers earning at least one kill in the set. Not only did Purdue out-block Louisville in the set 4-2, but was able to double the amount of Louisville errors (4-8). Emma Ellis went errorless with two kills on five swings, while Bush dug five balls, second only to Jena Otec (10).
Purdue will be back in the Cintas Center for one more match tomorrow. The Boilermakers will play the loser of Xavier vs. Lipscomb at either 3:30 or 6 p.m. ET.
An effective Cardinal block, which entered the match No. 10 in the nation, caused problems for the Boilermakers, forcing a season-high 18 errors on their way to holding Purdue to just a .124 hitting %.
The Boilermakers were led by setter Hayley Bush, who notched her first double-double of the season, finishing the day with 25 assists and 12 digs. Meanwhile Caitlyn Newton secured a team-best 11 kills.
Defensively, 2020 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Jena Otec produced 20 digs after seeing 19 receptions and a perfect reception rate.
Set 1
A back and forth battle ensued for the first 24 serves before Louisville began to pull away. The Boilermakers allowed a 4-0 run for the Cardinals to take the eventual game-winning lead with a 14-18 advantage. Purdue was led by Maddie Koch and Newton (three kills apiece) while Bush's four digs were a team-best.
Set 2
The Purdue offense was stifled by seven Louisville blocks in the set. Grace Cleveland proved to be the most effective with a .429 hitting efficiency (four kills, one error on seven swings), while Newton put down five kills. In the back row, libero Otec secured seven digs in an effort to slow the Louisville attack.
Set 3
Purdue took a quick 2-0 lead and were able to spread the attack with six Boilermakers earning at least one kill in the set. Not only did Purdue out-block Louisville in the set 4-2, but was able to double the amount of Louisville errors (4-8). Emma Ellis went errorless with two kills on five swings, while Bush dug five balls, second only to Jena Otec (10).
Purdue will be back in the Cintas Center for one more match tomorrow. The Boilermakers will play the loser of Xavier vs. Lipscomb at either 3:30 or 6 p.m. ET.