WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Led by a career-high 33 digs by Jena Otec, the No. 6 Purdue volleyball squad (21-5, 13-5 B1G) earned the 3-1 win over Michigan (15-11, 8-9 B1G) with a score of 25-17, 25-18, 16-25, 25-15).
Not only was Otec's 33 digs a career-best, but the most by a Boilermaker in 12 years (last: Blair Bashen, 39 digs in 2009). Moreover, she joins elite company as one of just five Boilermakers to ever post as many digs in a single match.
The Boilermakers out-performed the Wolverines in virtually every category, including out-hitting Michigan .218-.142 in efficiency, marking the 10th time Purdue has held opponents below a .145 attack this season. Overall, three Boilermakers hit above .330, guided by Jael Johnson, who hit .500 (7-1-12) while posting six total stuffs, including a pair of solo stuffs. Meanwhile, as a team, Purdue out-blocked Michigan 15-5.
The blocking effort was led by freshman Raven Colvin, who ended the night with seven block assists, four of which came in consecutive fashion at the end of the fourth set to help seal Purdue's victory.
Setter Hayley Bush had a stellar performance, tallying her 12th double-double of the season with her 37 assists, 11 digs, block assist and ace.
Caitlyn Newton led the offensive effort with 17 kills to go alongside six digs and a trio of block assists. Meanwhile, Grace Cleveland posted 12 kills, three errors on 33 swings for a .273 hitting %. Cleveland set the tone for the Boilermakers early, going errorless in the first set with 5 kills on nine swings (.556 %) and two assisted stuffs.
Purdue has three matches remaining in the regular season. Up next, Purdue will travel to Northwestern for its final Big Ten road contest, which is slated to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Not only was Otec's 33 digs a career-best, but the most by a Boilermaker in 12 years (last: Blair Bashen, 39 digs in 2009). Moreover, she joins elite company as one of just five Boilermakers to ever post as many digs in a single match.
The Boilermakers out-performed the Wolverines in virtually every category, including out-hitting Michigan .218-.142 in efficiency, marking the 10th time Purdue has held opponents below a .145 attack this season. Overall, three Boilermakers hit above .330, guided by Jael Johnson, who hit .500 (7-1-12) while posting six total stuffs, including a pair of solo stuffs. Meanwhile, as a team, Purdue out-blocked Michigan 15-5.
The blocking effort was led by freshman Raven Colvin, who ended the night with seven block assists, four of which came in consecutive fashion at the end of the fourth set to help seal Purdue's victory.
Setter Hayley Bush had a stellar performance, tallying her 12th double-double of the season with her 37 assists, 11 digs, block assist and ace.
Caitlyn Newton led the offensive effort with 17 kills to go alongside six digs and a trio of block assists. Meanwhile, Grace Cleveland posted 12 kills, three errors on 33 swings for a .273 hitting %. Cleveland set the tone for the Boilermakers early, going errorless in the first set with 5 kills on nine swings (.556 %) and two assisted stuffs.
Purdue has three matches remaining in the regular season. Up next, Purdue will travel to Northwestern for its final Big Ten road contest, which is slated to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.