Oct. 30, 2002
Box Score
Villanova, Pa. - The Princeton Tigers did not see what hit them in a frantic volleyball match that saw the Villanova Wildcats pull out the victory in five intense sets, 3-2 (30-22, 32-30, 15-30, 21-30, 17-19). The win brings the 'Cats record to 13-15 overall and the Tigers drop to 11-5.
Villanova was manhandled in the first game, seeing Princeton take a commanding lead and refusing to yield. Halfway through the second game the 'Cats clawed their way back to take the lead, only to give it right back to the Tigers on mental mistakes. Villanova decided enough was enough in the third game and gave the Tigers more than they could handle defensively and kept the Princeton offense to a .048 hitting percentage while recording ten blocks. The 'Cats dominated until the Tigers realized that they let their two game lead slip away. The deciding fifth game showcased tremendous heart on both sides but the hometown Wildcats prevailed in dramatic fashion 19-17.
The Wildcats received outstanding efforts from numerous players, most notably Erin Birunas (Lancaster, Pa./Hempfield) and Kerri Sullivan (Downers Grove, Ill./South). Both 'Cats finished with 25 kills apiece which were game highs. Defensively Birunas added nine digs while Sullivan totaled 13 blocks. Also having solid games for Villanova were Celine Nguyen (Palos Verde Peninsula, Ca./Palos Verde Peninsula) and Jenny Badran-Grycan. Nguyen tallied 12 kills to go along with 15 digs and four service aces. Badran-Grycan led the 'Cats with 31 assists and 17 digs, both of which were team highs.
Kellie Cramm's powerful hitting netted her 18 kills to go along with 13 digs which led the Tiger's in both categories. Jenny Senske had a game high 44 assists but hit for only .182 percent. As a team Princeton hit for only .162 percent and had nine service errors.
Next up for the Wildcats is a trip to Georgetown on Saturday November 2. The Big East match up is an important one for Villanova as they look to extend their winning streak to three games. The Wildcats won't see Jake Nevin Field House in game action until November 9 against the Providence Friars.
