Xavier University Athletics
Xavier University
South Dakota St.
Volleyball Drops South Dakota State in Three Straight
10.03.07 | Volleyball
Oct. 3, 2007
Box Score
CINCINNATI - The Xavier University volleyball team downed non-conference opponent South Dakota State (15-4) in three straight games (30-18, 30-23, 30-28) Wednesday night in Cintas Center for its sixth home victory of the season. The Musketeers (14-6) were led by senior Jill Quayle who posted an incredible .625 hitting percentage (17-2-24) for the match.
Sophomore Kelly Ruth posted her ninth double-double of the season with 10 kills and a match-high 16 digs while freshman Claire Paszkiewicz tallied 31 assists on the night. Senior Jenni Horvath also produced double-digit kills (10) as did freshman Katie Russell (13).
The first game was controlled by Xavier the entire way as there were no ties nor any lead changes in the frame. XU jumped out to an early 10-3 lead over SDSU before the Jackrabbits used a 4-0 run to pull within four, 10-7. A kill by SDSU's Emily Rooney put the visitors within two, 12-10, but that would be as close as they would get. The Musketeers closed the game with a 9-3 run to take the first frame, 30-18.
XU dominated early in the second game as well but a Xavier attack error pulled South Dakota State to within one, 8-7. The Musketeers scored three straight points to stretch the lead to four. The Jackrabbits cut the lead to two but never were able to overcome the deficit. Xavier's last two points came off of kills from Ruth as XU took the second game, 30-23.
The third game would not prove as easy as the first two as there were eight ties and two lead changes in the frame. Xavier started quick, 3-1, but South Dakota State rallied to tie the game at three apiece. XU used a 5-1 run to hold a four-point advantage, 8-4, and the two squads continued to battle. SDSU took its first lead of the match at 13-12 off a kill from Amy Anderson.
Yet, the Musketeers would not give up. The Jackrabbits held the advantage until a kill by Russell knotted the game at 22-all. XU scored three straight to go ahead, 25-22, but SDSU was able to tie the game at 25-25 and then again at 26 apiece. A kill by Ruth gave the Musketeers match point and Quayle sealed the deal smashing down the match-winning kill as XU took the frame, 30-28, and the match, 3-0.
The Jackrabbits were led by Rooney with 13 kills and Kristina Martin and Stacey Wernert with 11 digs apiece.
Xavier returns to Atlantic 10 action this weekend as it travels to Charlotte Friday, Oct. 12 and then on to George Washington Saturday, Oct. 13. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. for both matches. Please continue to check www.GOXAVIER.com for the latest updates and stats.
