November 15, 2002

Truman Volleyball Dominates Northwest Missouri in a 3-0 Win

The Truman State University volleyball team dominated Northwest Missouri in every phase of the game as the Bulldogs swept the visiting Bearcats by scores of 30-17, 30-20 and 30-9.

The biggest difference was the hitting percentage for both teams as the Bulldogs hit .425 on the night, the fifth-best mark all-time in school history for a three-game match. Meanwhile, Truman was able to hold the Bearcats to just a .049 mark. The Bulldogs also recorded 28 more kills, 21 more digs, four more service aces and six more blocks than Northwest Missouri.

Three Truman players were in double-figure kills as Jessica Sears had 13, Tiffany Graham had 12 and Shelby Ortwerth added 10. Monica Marlowe had 24 assists and a team-high 10 digs. Sears also had 10 digs and Graham just missed a double-double with nine. Micaela Walter and Ortwerth each had six blocks and Jennifer Hunter had three of Truman's eight service aces.

Northwest Missouri was led by Allison Hyland who had 11 kills. Megan Danek recorded 25 assists and Carrie Johnson led the team with eight digs. Leslie Junker, one of the nation's top blockers, was limited to just one block on the night.

Truman improved to 23-8 overall on the season and 12-3 in MIAA action. Northwest Missouri ended its season with a 8-23 overall record and a 3-13 conference mark.

The Bulldogs will end their regular season tomorrow afternoon when they host Southwest Baptist at 1 p.m. in Pershing Arena. With a win tomorrow, Truman will finish conference play in a tie for second-place. Washburn clinched its first MIAA volleyball title on Friday with a win over Pittsburg State.