Aug. 29, 2003

Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - - The Villanova volleyball team dropped its season opener to No. 25 Michigan State, 3-0, at the Maryland Invitational on Friday night. The Wildcats fell by scores of 30-14, 30-27, and 30-25.

Adrian Semrau paced the Wildcat attack with nine kills, while Kerri Sullivan tallied eight kills. Jen Lalli recorded 19 helpers in the game, while Megan Abbott registered three blocks.

In game one, the 'Cats kept it close early with Katie Lanting smacking two early kills to keep the squad within 12-10.

Diana Steplyk and Michelle Kopka fueled a Michigan State run of 11 straight points to put the game out of reach for the Wildcats.

With the Spartans leading 15-9 in game two, Semrau caught fire and figured into Villanova's next three points. She teamed with Celine Nguyen for a block and then smashed back-to-back kills to cut the score to 18-12.

After another Michigan State spurt made the score 22-16, Semrau again came up with consecutive kills and Nguyen followed with a tip to trim the gap to 22-19.

The Spartans staved off the 'Cats and led 28-25 before Nguyen and Jennifer Badran-Grycan scored consecutive points, bringing Villanova within one.

Villanova was unable to hang on, as Kim Schram and Megan Wallin capped the Spartan scoring in game two.

Game three featured as much excitement as game two, with the teams trading points so that they were tied at 22-22. Then preseason All-Big Ten team member Jenny Rood registered a kill and a solo block to put the Spartans ahead 24-22.

Semrau again had the answer with two hits of her own, again knotting the score at 24-24. Rood and Sarah Villwock proved to be too much and helped lead the Spartans to the 30-25 win.

Villanova (0-1) returns to action in the Maryland Invitational on Saturday when the Wildcats square off against Maryland at 11 a.m. and Tennessee at 5 p.m.