Villanova University

Nov. 13, 2009

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Villanova volleyball team fell 3-0 (19-25, 22-25, 24-26) to Syracuse Friday evening at Manley Field House.

The Wildcats were led by freshman Krista Andersen with 13 kills. Sophomore Maggie Mergen posted nine kills and a .300 clip.

Sophomore Courtney Oertli dished out 28 assists, while classmate Kim Maroon collected a match-high 16 digs.

The Wildcats fell behind 5-1 in the first set, but were able to pull within one point, 9-8 after three consecutive errors from the Orange. Sophomores Kara Chatham and Maggie Mergen connected for kills to give VU a 12-11 advantage and their first lead before the score tied four times in the plays that followed. Syracuse took a 19-16 lead as the Wildcats called a timeout and extended it to 22-17 following the break. Chatham connected for another kill, but Villanova dropped the set, 25-19.

In the second frame the Orange got on the board first and jumped out to a 15-11 lead before Villanova used kills from Andersen and senior Elysse Studzinski to close to within two points, 16-14. After a timeout from Syracuse, Andersen and Studzinski again found the floor for kills and helped VU tie the set at 20 each. After two timeouts from the `Cats, Syracuse took a 24-20 lead, but two errors and a kill from Mergen kept `Nova alive longer before falling 25-22.

After a 5-5 tie in the third set, Villanova went on an 8-1 run to jump ahead, 13-6. The Orange got back into the set at 16-14 and VU called a timeout. A kill from Mergen and an attack error from Syracuse kept VU in front 21-19, but following a timeout from the Orange the set was tied at 22 each. The Orange served for set point at 24-22, but VU stayed alive after a kill from Studzinski. Syracuse earned set point again at 25-24 and would close out the set to win the match, 26-24.

Villanova will close out the 2009 regular season on Sunday, Nov. 15 at Marquette. The match is set to begin at 2:00 p.m. ET.