TicketsSept. 12, 2009
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Cincinnati volleyball team followed its upset of No. 16 Saint Louis earlier today with a three-set sweep (25-16, 26-24, 25-17) over Illinois State in its final match of the 2009 Illinois State Farm Classic Saturday afternoon at Huff Hall. Sophomore Missy Harpenau (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mother of Mercy) led all players with 14 kills as Cincinnati improved to 6-4 on the season.
Seven kills from five different players helped UC jump out to a 12-9 lead over the Redbirds in the opening set. A seven-point run aided UC in increasing its lead to 10 points, 19-9, courtesy of a combined five kills by freshmen Becca Refenes (Westland, Mich./Lutheran Westland) and Emily Hayden (Louisville, Ky./Assumption). With an eight-point lead, 24-16, freshman Jordanne Scott (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North) smashed a ball down the line to give UC the 25-16 first-set triumph.
Things got tougher for the Bearcats in the second set as six service errors and 10 attack errors allowed Illinois State to remain within striking distance. The Redbirds had two set points at their disposal, but were unable to capitalize as kills by Harpenau and junior Stephanie Niemer (Erlanger, Ky./St. Henry) tied the set at 24. A senior Jaime Frey (Cincinnati, Ohio/Roger Bacon) ace precluded another clutch Niemer kill, giving Cincinnati a 26-24 second-set win.
The Bearcats went to their outside hitters early and often in the third set. Three kills from Niemer and five from Harpenau catapulted UC on top, 15-8. A series of errors brought Illinois State within three points, 19-16, but a kill by Niemer snapped the Redbird run and the Bearcats regrouped to take the third set, 25-17.
Niemer finished with 13 kills and nine digs, while Frey collected a match-best 16 digs. Fesl also put together a double-double with 43 assists and 10 digs.
The Bearcats return home for a mid-week contest on Tuesday, Sept. 15, when Western Kentucky comes to Fifth Third Arena for a 7:30 p.m. match.