Oct. 12, 2002

Box Score

Villanova, Pa. - The Wildcat volleyball team took on Syracuse on Saturday, Oct. 12, in a classic Big East match-up. The match was a back and forth grudge match that Villanova was able to pull out 3-2 (30-19, 28-30, 27-30, 30-20, 15-9). The win snaps the 'Cats six game losing streak, and gives them their first conference win of the season.

The 'Cats were led in victory by Seniors Leah Mathews and Erin Birunas who guided their team of up-and-comers to the thrilling victory. Jake Nevin Field House was alive with cheers of enthusiasm for the Wildcats, who looked more poised and ready to play at the outset than they have since the beginning of the season.

Katie Lanting made her presence felt in the middle with three huge blocks and 21 kills, both of which led the 'Cats. Once again Jenny Badran-Grycan and Jennifer Edwards set up their teammates with 37 and 26 assists respectively. Defensively Leah Mathews led the Wildcats with 22 digs and an outstanding overall match topped off with a devastating kill into the face of her Syracuse opponent.

The Orangewomen were led in defeat by Kristen Conway and Kelly Duan, both of whom the Wildcats had a hard time containing. Christen Casey led the team with 19 digs and will take her Syracuse team back home with a heart breaking loss.

The Wildcats, 10-12 overall and 1-4 in the Big East, will host Big East favorite Notre Dame tomorrow at 1:00p.m. Notre Dame enters the match as the only undefeated team in Big East play and the 'Cats will try to end the Fighting Irish' winning ways and continue with their own.