Sophomore setter Kim Boehmer (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded a season-high 56 assists to help lead the University of Southern Indiana volleyball team to a thrilling 3-2 victory over eighth-ranked Northwood University this afternoon at the Great Lakes Valley Conference-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Crossover in Highland Heights, Kentucky. The Screaming Eagles hit .283 as a team and recorded a season-best 78 kills as they upped their record to 5-5 on the season.

Although the Eagles were in the lead for most of the first game, the Timberwolves of Northwood (9-2) proved why they were ranked eighth in the country as they clawed back to grab the 30-28 win. USI hit .368 in the first game but could not stop Northwood's attack as the Timberwolves recorded a .484 hitting percentage.

The Eagles dominated the second game and gained control of the Timberwolf attack in the process. USI limited Northwood to just six kills and a -.034 attacking percentage as it notched a 30-17 victory. USI used 20 kills to record a 30-26 game-three victory and take a 2-1 lead in the match.

Game four was neck-and-neck as the Eagles and Timberwolves exchanged leads numerous times throughout. USI fought back from late deficits of 28-29 and 30-31, had a chance to win with leads of 30-29 and 32-31, but fell 33-35, forcing a decisive game five.

Northwood started the last game on fire and grabbed an 8-6 lead midway through. However, the Eagles would not be denied as they posted a .500 hitting percentage and won the rubber game, 15-13, as well as the match, 3-2.

"It was the best we have ever played," USI head coach ChrissySmith said of her team's performance. "Anytime we can get a win over a GLIAC team is big. And to do it against a team the caliber of Northwood speaks volumes."
 
Junior outside hitter Shannon Wells (Merrillville, Indiana) led the Eagles with a match-high 22 kills while pouring in 12 defensive digs. Freshman middle blocker Leeanne Gross (Decatur, Indiana) added to the USI attack by pouring in 20 kills and seven digs.

Possibly one of the biggest  keys to USI's victory was the play of junior outside hitter Kristina Kavanaugh (Montgomery, Indiana). Kavanaugh recorded 15 kills and a match-high 20 digs for the Eagles.

USI will not have long to savor the victory as it opens its 2001 home schedule Monday night. The Eagles will entertain Oakland City University in the first of a six match home stand. Match time is scheduled for seven o'clock at the Physical Activities Center.