Northern Michigan (6-2): 3
Southern Indiana (1-7): 2
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Southern Indiana: 3
Southwestern Oklahoma State (2-7): 0
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ROLLA, Mo.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team capitalized on a fast start and a season-best .316 attacking percentage Saturday afternoon at the “Middle of Everywhere” Classic to earn a 25-14, 25-16, 25-20 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State University and its first win of the 2012 season.
After breezing to an 11-point win in the opening set, the Screaming Eagles used a blistering .406 attacking percentage and a 9-2 run to close out a nine-point win in the second frame and build a two-set lead in the match.
USI (1-7) benefitted from a 4-0 spurt midway through the third set to earn a five-point win and a three-game sweep.
Sophomore outside hitters
Fawn Ryan and
Lauren DeShaney had 12 and 11 kills, respectively, to pace the Eagles' offensively. Junior setter
Jorae Bradbury had 31 assist, while sophomore libero
Kayla Heldman racked up 24 digs in the victory.
Earlier in the day, the Eagles saw a one-set lead slip through their grasp as Midwest Region foe Northern Michigan rallied for a 19-25, 25-15, 25-22, 23-25, 15-10 victory over USI.
Buoyed by a 7-0 spurt, the Wildcats (6-2) rallied from a 5-2 deficit to win the deciding fifth set and hand the Eagles their seventh straight loss to begin the season.
Northern Michigan's presence at the net hampered the Eagles' attack throughout the final four sets as USI hit just .032 in its final 125 attack attempts. The Wildcats recorded 16 of their 17 blocks in the final four games after the Eagles piled up 12 kills and a .250 attacking clip in the opening frame.
Senior right side hitter
Emily Meyer had 10 kills and four blocks to lead the Eagles, while freshman middle blocker
Abbey Winter chipped in seven kills and six blocks. Heldman added 17 digs to aid the Eagles' effort.
USI opens its home schedule Tuesday at 6 p.m. when it hosts Cedarville University at the Physical Activities Center. The Eagles open Great Lakes Valley Conference play Friday at 7 p.m. when they host league-newcomer McKendree University at the PAC.
