Villanova University

Sept. 2, 2000

Box Score

In the second day of the 2000 Wildcat Classic at Villanova University, the Wildcats dropped two consecutive matches at the hands of American University (15-7, 15-7, 15-1) and the University of Akron (15-6, 15-6, 15-13).

In game one, American jumped out to an early 8-2 lead. The Wildcats hung tough and fought back on the serve of senior Breen Eddinger (Tacoma, Wash./Bellarmine Prep). Eddinger spurred Villanova on to a four point run. The Wildcats offensive production would not last for long. Inconsistent passing and hitting hampered Villanova's attempt to stay in the game. In the end, the Eagles rattled off 8 of the next 11 points en route to a game one victory.

Game two started with more promise for Villanova as the Wildcats pounced on American's poor hitting early, scoring the first 5 points. Again, Villanova's attack became inconsistent allowing the Eagles to battle back and take the lead at 6-5. The game remained close until American's Ajola Berisha, tournament MVP, drilled two consecutive kills. The Wildcats could not recover and lost the game 15-7.

The final game saw American's powerful and consistent hitting dismantle the Wildcat defense. After taking 2-0 lead the Eagles allowed Villanova one point before they tallied the next 13 and defeated the Wildcats 15-1.

For the Wildcats, junior Libby Sybilrud (Atlanta, GA/Marist School) led the way with 10 kills in the match. Freshman Jennifer Edwards (Valencia, CA/Valencia) was the top assist-giver with 23.

Berisha dominated for American, recording 13 kills. Silvia Panak also continued her consistent play with 28 assists.

The victory moved American to 2-0 overall and dropped Villanova to 1-1.

In Villanova's second match, the result was no different. Akron came out strong and never gave up. In game one, the Wildcats forgot about their poor hitting in their last match and jumped out to a commanding 5-0 lead. A stymied Akron team regrouped and fired back with 11 straight points. Villanova never regrouped and could manage only one more point before they were defeated 15-6.

In game two, Akron continued its strong effort by taking an 11-1 lead. Villanova stayed composed and answered with a 4 point run. With the score 11-5, Akron refocused and finished off the Wildcats, 15-6.

Game three was the complete opposite of the first two. The two teams traded points the entire game until the score became deadlocked at 12-12. In its most determined effort of the tournament, Villanova saw a possible victory slip through late when their inconsistent hitting reappeared. The Zips defeated the Wildcats 15-13,

Statistically for Villanova, senior Ruth Ann Blankenheim (Lighthouse Point, FL/Cardinal Gibbons) led the team with 8 kills. Again, freshman Jennifer Edwards had the highest number of assists, with 26.

For Akron, Ashlie Case and Katie Kuzior tallied a game high of 17 kills. At setter, Julie McDivitt recorded 44 assists.

Villanova will be in action tomorrow at home when they square off against Manhattan College (0-1) at 4 PM.

The loss drops Villanova to 1-2 overall and improves Akron to 2-1 on the year.

In the other action of the day, Akron defeated Rider by the score of 15-11, 15-0, 15-8 and American defeated Rider 15-2, 15-4, and 15-6.

Final Standings:

American University 3-0

University of Akron 2-1

Villanova University 1-2

Rider University 0-3

All-Tournament Team

Ajola Berisha American MVP

Silvia Panak American

Judit Szekclyhidi American

Ashlie Case Akron

Julie McDivitt Akron

Libby Sybilrud Villanova

Evette Hoeffner Rider