The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team recorded 49 kills and hit .378 as it topped the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 3-0, this evening at the Physical Activities Center in Evansville, Indiana. The Screaming Eagles, who were at home for the first time since Labor Day, improve to 11-5 overall, 3-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, while the Lady Rangers fall to 9-7 overall and 2-3 in the GLVC.
Senior outside hitter
Shannon Wells (Merrillville, Indiana) recorded a match-high 13 kills, 11 digs, 3 blocks, and a career-high-tying 10 service aces to lead the way for USI. Wells also recorded a .423 attacking percentage, marking the second straight match that she has hit above .400.
USI found itself knotted up at 19, in the first game, before reeling off nine consecutive points. The Eagles hit .275 in the first game as they won 30-21 and took a 1-0 lead in the match.
Wells and fellow classmate
Kristina Kavanaugh (Montgomery, Indiana) combined for 11 kills in the second game to lead USI to a 30-20 victory. USI hit a blistering .516 in the second contest as it took a commanding 2-0 lead in the match. Kavanaugh finished the match with 10 kills and seven digs.
The Eagles used a .370 attacking percentage and some tough defense to defeat the Lady Rangers, 30-16, in the third and final game. USI held UWP to a -.083 attacking percentage in the final game.
Junior setter
Kim Boehmer (Cincinnati, Ohio) continued her solid play as she recorded a match-high 37 assists.
In addition to Wells, Boehmer was of sophomore's
Leeanne Gross (Decatur, Indiana) and
Natalie Atzinger (Louisville, Kentucky). Gross recorded 9 kills, 8 digs, and two blocks while Atzinger posted a match-high .615 attacking percentage. Atzinger finished with 8 kills off 13 attempts.
USI also benefited from the play. Gross finished with nine kills, eight digs, and two blocks.
The Eagles will host #23 Lewis University Saturday afternoon at the Physical Activities Center. Lewis enters the match with a perfect 16-0 record and is 5-0 in the GLVC. Match-time is slated for a 2 p.m. start.