September 2 , 2006
Volleyball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sycamores split a pair of games on the second day at the Duquesne Invitational

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - - - In day two of action at The Duquesne Invitational the Sycamores looked to continue their winning ways against opponents Robert Morris (2-5) and Delaware State (0-4).

In the first match of the day the Sycamores faced a tough Robert Morris squad. Indiana State relied on the steady play of freshman Kelli Whitaker (New Palastine, Ind. / New Palastine H.S.) as she led the Sycamore offense with 12 kills. The unsung hero for the Sycamores was freshman Whitney Nichols (Snohomish, Wash / Snohomish H.S.) who was used as the primary setter for all but two of the Sycamore attacks, totaling 31 sets for the match. The Colonials were lead by Junior Emily Wolthuis who paced the Robert Morris attack with 16 kills.

The Sycamores battled throughout the match but fell 30-32 in the first game followed by a score of 33-31 in the second. After two close games in a row the Sycamores looked to even the score but their efforts were for naught as Robert Morris pulled away for a 30-22 total in the third game to end the match.

The Sycamores then looked ahead to their second game of the day against The Hornets of Delaware State.

Indiana State, coming off a disappointing 3-0 loss in the first game of the day looked to even their record on the day against Delaware State. The Sycamore offense got more of the same from freshman Kelli Whitaker (New Palastine, Ind. / New Palastine H.S.) as she posted a team leading 13 kills with Stephanie Meier (Cross Plains, Wis. / Wisconsin Heights H.S.) and Stephanie Volden (McFarland, Wis. / McFarland H.S.) adding 11 and 10 kills respectively.

Delaware State’s Marissa Brady led the Hornets with 11 kills followed by a 10 kill effort by Cassandra Joyner. Defensively, Laura Huculak tied the match-lead with 13 digs. DSU’s Kelly Carrigan led the match with four blocks.

Indiana State opened with a 30-28 win in the first game followed by a 30-27 total in the second. In the final game the Sycamores got into an offensive rhythm, racking up 21 kills on 44 swings to take a 30-20 decision to end the match and secure their second victory of the season. For the match Indiana State held a 56-42 kill advantage and led 57-53 in digs.

The Sycamores next game is at the Oakland University Invitational where they face the host Oakland University at 7:30 pm on Friday, September 8.