The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team lost a hard-fought battle to #23 Lewis University, 3-2, Saturday afternoon at the Physical Activities Center in Evansville, Indiana. The Screaming Eagles fall to 11-6 overall and 3-2 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference while the Flyers improve to 17-0 overall and 6-0 in the GLVC.
After falling behind, 1-0, in the match, the Eagles recorded 21 kills and a .425 attacking percentage in the second game to even the match at one game each. USI committed just four errors in the game as it claimed a 30-21 victory.
The Eagles trailed 18-8 in the third game, before rallying to within two points of the Flyers at 28-26. However, after a Lewis timeout, the Flyers were able to settle down and win the next two points as well as the game, 30-26, and take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Once again, the Eagles battled back in the fourth game. This time, USI fed off of seven attacking errors, by the undefeated Flyers, to win game four 30-20 and even the match at 2-2.
After jumping out to an early lead in the fifth and deciding game, USI looked to have momentum in its favor. The Eagles claimed an 8-6 lead before the two teams switched sides.
The switch, however, seemed to work in Lewis's favor as it went on a 4-1 run to claim its first lead of the final game (10-9). Lewis closed the door on USI as it won five of the next seven points, winning the game 15-11, and the match, 3-2.
Junior setter
Kim Boehmer (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded a season-high 62 assists and a career and match-high 26 digs to lead the Eagles. Boehmer also had four kills, one service ace, a block assist, and a .375 attacking percentage.
Senior outside hitter
Shannon Wells (Merrillville, Indiana) recorded a match-high 22 kills to lead USI's offensive. She also racked up 22 digs while sophomore middle blocker
Leeanne Gross (Decatur, Indiana) recorded 18 kills, a match-high .412 attacking percentage, and 14 digs.
The Eagles will have a break from conference action as the head to Highland Heights, Kentucky, to take part in the GLVC/West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Challenge Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12. USI will play the University of Charleston Friday at 3:30 p.m., West Virginia Wesleyan College Saturday at 10 a.m. and Wheeling Jesuit University Saturday at 3 p.m.
The Eagles return home Saturday, October 19, to take on Quincy University in a 2 p.m. match.
