Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
DePaul
Volleyball Comes Up Short on Day One of DePaul Invite
9/18/2009 11:40:50 PM | Volleyball
Eastern Michigan downed by DePaul, 3-1
Box score.
CHICAGO, Ill. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University volleyball team continued to show improved play on the court, however, the Eagles could not upend DePaul University Friday evening, Sept. 18, in the opener of the DePaul Invitational here at McGrath Arena. In a contest that featured 16 lead changes and 44 ties, the Blue Demons managed to pickup the 3-1 victory (19-25, 27-29, 25-23, 23-25) behind a 20 kill performance by Sarah Cullen.
With the loss the Eagles drop to 1-11 on the season while the Blue Demons up their record to 6-5.
A trio of EMU student-athletes reach double-figures in kills, led again by freshman Rachel Iaquaniello (Plymouth, Mich-Dearborn Divine Child) with 16 kills. Junior middle blocker Jennifer Swartz (Canton, Mich.-Westland John Glenn) tacked on 12 kills to go with an 11 kill effort by freshman Kristen Baker (Mentor, Ohio-Mentor). Head coach Kim Berrington's youthful squad recorded 35 of the team's 56 put-a-ways from freshman class.
Cullen paced the way with a match-best 20 kills while chipping in 14 digs for DePaul. Kate Letcher was the only other Blue Demon to reach double-digits in kills with 11.
Both team's hit very well on the evening, as DePaul posted a .234 hitting percentage (60-23-158) while Eastern Michigan managed a .193 percent (56-25-141) clip. The Green and White were able to control the net for a change, out-blocking the homestanding Blue Demons, 8 to 4.
The Eagles look to get back on the winning track Saturday, Sept. 19, on the second day of the tournament in the Windy City. Eastern Michigan will face Sacramento State University at 10 a.m. CST followed by a 5p.m. match against Western Kentucky University. For live in-game statistics, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com
