October 10, 1998

Villanova, Pa. - Entering the game riding an eight game winning streak, the Wildcats ran into upset-minded West Virginia. After losing to Georgetown last evening, the Mountaineers were not intimidated by the streaking Wildcats as WVU stunned Villanova in five games 5-15, 5-15, 18-16, 15-12, 15-12, snapping Nova eight game hot streak.

In the opening game, Villanova (10-8/3-1) built an 11-1 lead which WVU (8-9/2-2) could not cut. With Megan O'Brien six kills and no errors, the Cats rolled 15-5. In the second game, Nova pasted WVU 15-5 behind senior Kristin Fucci's four aces and ten straight service points.

Not going down without a fight, West Virginia battled point for point with the Wildcats, eventually defeating Nova, 18-16. In the rally scoring format, Villanova was unable gain any momentum as they lost the final game, 15-12.

West Virginia was led by Nikki Hardy with 24 kills and 32 digs, while setter Maureen Ferris tallied 59 assists and 20 digs. For the Wildcats, Megan O'Brien recorded a game high 24 kills and 33 digs, in the losing effort.

Villanova take the next week off as the Cats have mid-term exams, but return to the court on Wednesday, October 21 against non-conference opponent Fairfield University.

Score by Game 1 2 3 4 5 WEST VIRGINIA 5 5 18 15 15 VILLANOVA 15 15 16 12 12

Scoring: Assists-West Virginia (68), Ferris (59), Villanova (70), Arnette (58); Kills-West Virginia (70), Hardy (24), Hudson (14), Boardman (14), Villanova (73), O'Brien (24), Eddinger (22), Jones (16); Digs-West Virginia (105), Hardy (32), Ferris (20), Porter (17), Villanova (129), O'Brien (33), Jones (31), Arnette (23), Blankenheim (18).