Northwestern University Athletics
Volleyball Swept By Purdue
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
October 11, 1998
West Lafayette, Ind. -- It looked as if Northwestern was ready to turn the corner and put a stop to its four-match losing skid Saturday night when the Wildcats opened up their match against Purdue with a 5-0 lead.
However, the Boilermakers were a bit sharper running their attack and came up with a 15-9, 15-13, 15-10 victory over Northwestern.
After finding themselves down, 9-2 early in the second game, the Wildcats finally warmed up and started chipping away at Purdue's lead. Senior outside hitter Jessica Holloway blasted down four kills to bring Northwestern within 13-14, but Purdue fought off the 'Cat's furious rally for the win.
Senior setter Liz Renius passed out 27 assists before going down with a knee injury in the beginning of game three. That turn of events sent junior Jennifer Higgins into the contest to handle the setting duties for Northwestern. The Wildcats hung around all game, tied at 5-5, down 10-8 and then trailing just 12-10 before Purdue sealed the match with two kills and an ace for the victory.
Holloway recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 14 kills and 10 digs. She had one the night before at Illinois with 16 kills and 15 digs.
Higgins collected 11 assists in relief for the injured Renius, while senior middle blocker Melissa Doan tallied eight kills and digs.
The Wildcats drop to 11-7 on the season, 1-5 in the Big Ten. Purdue improved to 9-6, 3-3 in the conference. Northwestern will next be in action this Wednesday night when it hosts Indiana beginning at 7 p.m. at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats also travel to Minnesota on Friday, Oct. 16 for a televised tape delayed Big Ten match with the Golden Gophers. ESPN will air the match at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.
