Sept. 12, 2008

Box Score

BOWLING GREEN, Kent. - The Valparaiso Crusaders downed the Furman Paladins in four sets in volleyball action Friday evening at the Lady Topper Invitational hosted by Western Kentucky.

The Crusaders crushed Furman in the first set, holding the Paladins to only seven kills and a .030 hitting percentage en route to a 25-13 win. The Paladins rebounded in set two, evening the match at one set apiece with a 29-27 win.

Valparaiso took the third set by a score of 25-18, after taking a 9-5 lead early in the match and never leading by less than three points.

Furman fought back in the fourth game, which featured 18 ties and five lead changes. The two teams were tied at every point from 18 to 23, before senior middle blocker Nicole Palazzo recorded a kill to put Furman up 24-23. Valpo's Angie Porche responded with three straight kills to help the Crusaders take the match.

Palazzo led the Paladins with 13 kills and two solo blocks, while freshman right side Kelly Kirby and senior outside hitter Alison West each added seven kills for Furman. Libero Brooke Ellison racked up 18 digs and West added 13 defensive saves.

Valpo was led by Porche and Allison Sears, who each recorded 17 kills, and Val Bollenbacher, who added 12. Porche and Bollenbacher both racked up double-doubles, with 17 digs apiece.

With the loss, Furman evens its record at 5-5, while Valpo improves to 7-1 on the season. The Paladins will take the court again on Saturday as they face Tennessee Tech and Miami (Ohio).