11/7/2000 - Women's Volleyball
Volleyball Wins Dramatic Marathon Match

Links associated with this release:
0
0
0

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Nov. 7) - Navy's volleyball team outlasted Loyola to defeat the Loyola Greyhounds in a five-game thriller at Macdonough Hall Nov. 7. The Mids eventually prevailed in the nearly two-and-a-half hour match, 14-16, 15-7, 8-15, 15-11, 28-26.

In the decisive game five, Navy served for the match seven times, while Loyola had five serves to win the match. The Midshipmen rallied from a 26-25 deficit to win. The 28-26 final score is the highest-scoring game in Navy volleyball history, surpassing the 23-21 loss to Manhattan, Nov. 8, 1997.

Navy's defense was "the key to the victory," said head coach Mike Schwob. The Midshipmen totaled season highs in both blocks (21.5) and digs (91) on their way to the victory.

Offensively for Navy, Erin Musser (Sr., Industry, Pa.) recorded a team-high 20 kills on the night, followed closely by team captain Megan O'Connell (Sr., Beaverdam, Va.) with 16. Six Mids had 10 or more digs on the night, led by Melissa Coombes (Sr., Los Altos, Calif.) with 16 and Musser with 12. Kristin Davidson (So., Lexington Park, Md.) had a career-high nine blocks on the night, with O'Connell recording seven blocks.

For Loyola, the Greyhounds were led offensively by Carisa Kreichauf (Sr., Hampstead, Md.) with 24 kills, while Katie Brockwell (Fr., Delevan, Wis.) had 20 digs.

"What a crazy game that was," said Schwob. "I have never seen a game five when someone almost ran out of subs as we did tonight. Both teams played a great match and overcame numerous deficits. The ball just bounced our way on the last few plays."

Navy improved its record to 12-16 on the season, while Loyola fell to 14-17. Navy is now 5-1 on the season in matches lasting five games, including a perfect 4-0 at home, while Loyola stands at 2-4.

The Midshipmen will close their 2000 season on Tuesday, Nov. 14, when they play host to Morgan State in a 7 p.m. match at Macdonough Hall. Navy will honor departing seniors Rachael Benton, Melissa Coombes, Erin Musser and Megan O'Connell in pregame ceremonies.