Sept. 18, 2001
On Tuesday, Sept. 18, the Villanova volleyball team got back in action at the Jake Nevin Field House playing host to Bucknell University in a non-league match-up. Due to the national tragedy of our nation that took place last week and the cancellation of the George Washington Invitational intended for Sept. 7 and 8, Villanova had not played a match in the previous 10 days. It took the Wildcats the full five games and a thrilling come-from-behind last set to give them their fourth win of the season, defeating Bucknell, 3-2, (30-19, 16-30, 30-22, 28-30, 16-14).
Looking fresh and eager to get back on the court, the 'Cats came out fast and furious in game one dominating on the offensive end and out-hitting the Bison, 17-10. With the Wildcats trailing 5-3 and freshman Jenny Badran-Gracan (Santa Monica, CA/ Pacific Palisades) stepping up to serve, Villanova would go on to score four consecutive points to secure the game one win.
Game two took the Wildcats by surprise as the Bison battled back behind the play of Shannon Walker who tallied 11 kills giving Bucknell the second set, 30-16. Villanova got back to its offensive production in the third set thanks to an all-around team effort. Leading 25-22, senior Libby Sybilrud (Atlanta, GA/ Marist School) blasted home three kills to secure the victory and give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead.
With the Bison leading 29-24 in the fourth set, Villanova would rally off the serving of junior Leah Mathews (Poway, CA/ Our Lady of Peace) with four consecutive points to pull within one point. A kill from Bucknell's Brandi Trapasso cut the Wildcat rally short however forcing the decisive final set.
Trailing 14-11 in the last game, the Wildcats would benefit from two Bison errors, a Jennifer Edward (Valencia, CA/ Valencia) service ace and two kills from Mathews and freshman Kerri Sullivan (Downers Grove, IL/South) to close out a thrilling fifth set and give the Wildcats the match.
In the victory, senior outside hitter Dana Jones (Mt. Kisco, NY/ Fox Lane) was impressive in the victory leading the Wildcats with a career-high 17 kills and 17 digs. Mathews tallied 15 kills and 17 digs and senior blocker Jackie Fugiel (Roscoe, IL/ Honenegah) played well for the 'Cats chipping in with 13 kills and 13 digs. Edwards led the Wildcat offense will 39 assists to go along with 17 digs.
With the win, Villanova climbs back up to .500 evening their record to 4-4 on the season.
The Wildcats will return to action this weekend when they open up conference play hosting the Boston College Eagles on Fri., Sept. 21 at 7:00 P.M and taking on the University of Connecticut on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2:00 P.M.
