Northwestern University Athletics
Women's Volleyball Falls to #25 Minnesota, 3-0
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
October 18, 1998
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - On Friday night, in front of a crowd of 2,003 spectators, the No. 25-ranked Minnesota volleyball team defeated Northwestern, 15-13, 15-9, 15-12. The Golden Gophers (13-5, 3-4 Big Ten) were led by Nicole Branaugh's 22 kills. Freshman setter Lindsey Berg had 61 assists and four service aces.
The Wildcats opened the match, which was being televised by ESPN, with an 11-4 lead in the first game. A serving error gave the ball back to Minnesota and then two hitting errors by the Wildcats and two kills by the Golden Gophers instantly turned the game around, 11-8. The Minnesota front line came up with three big blocks to tie the score at 11-11, and then the Golden Gophers took their first lead of the game at 13-12 with a kill by Branaugh. Northwestern senior setter Liz Renius stuffed a Minnesota hitter and tied the game for the last time at 13-13. It would be the most points Northwestern would score for the match.
Senior outside hitter Jessica Holloway led the 'Cats with 15 kills and six digs. Sophomore outside hitter Carmen Burbach recorded 12 kills, while junior middle blocker Kitty Owen was nearly perfect with nine kills on 15 attempts and only one hitting error. Owen also tallied four blocks. With 47 assists on the night, Renius moved into 15th place on the Big Ten's all-time assist list. She surpassed Ohio State's Audrey DiPronio (1988-90) and now has 4,212 for her career.
Northwestern falls to 12-8, 2-6 in the Big Ten. The team will have its work cut out for itself this weekend as two nationally-ranked programs come to Welsh-Ryan Arena. On Friday, Oct. 23, the Wildcats entertain No. 21 Ohio State beginning at 7 p.m. The match will be televised by Fox Sports Chicago and will be shown on Oct. 25 at 4 CDT. The following night, NU takes on second-ranked Penn State. Match time is set for 7 p.m.
