September 12, 2008

Eagles rally past Missouri S&T,
Buschman hits .385 in victory

at Southern Indiana (6-3, 1-0 GLVC): 3
Missouri S&T (2-9, 0-2 GLVC): 1
Line Score: 21-25, 25-11, 27-25, 25-22 (Box Score)

EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team rallied from a one-set deficit to defeat Missouri University of Science and Technology 21-25, 25-11, 27-25, 25-22 Friday night in USI's home and GLVC-opener at the Physical Activities Center.

Margaret Buschman

Senior middle blocker Margaret Buschman (Reynolds, Indiana) had 11 kills, a .385 attacking percentage, and five blocks to lead the Screaming Eagles, while sophomore libero Janae Curnutt (Arcadia, Indiana) led USI's back row players with 20 digs.

After dropping the opening set, the Eagles rallied back, using a side-out percentage of 66 percent and holding the Miners to a negative .111 attacking percentage to even the match at a game each.

Following the intermission, USI (6-3, 1-0 GLVC) grabbed a two-game lead by winning a back-and-forth third set that saw 10 ties and three lead changes. The Eagles used a 6-0 run early in the frame to overcome a 10-7 deficit and swing momentum into their favor.

Ashley Henricks

Junior middle blocker Ashley Henricks (Greenwood, Indiana), who finished with eight kills and five blocks, had two kills and a solo block during the 6-0 run that turned the direction of the set into USI's favor.

In the fourth set, the Eagles used a 7-3 run to build a 20-16 lead; then held off a late Missouri S&T rally to preserve the game-four win and clinch the match.

USI also got solid efforts out of junior setter Melanie Pund (Ferdinand, Indiana) and sophomore outside hitter Brittani Oliver (Indianapolis, Indiana). Pund had 32 assists, 10 digs, and five blocks, while Oliver finished with nine kills and 12 digs.

USI returns to action Saturday at 3 p.m. when it takes on the University of Missouri-St. Louis (7-2, 1-0 GLVC) at the PAC.

Dan McDonnell,
USI Sports Information