Sept. 27, 2009
Box Score
VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova Wildcats (11-4, 0-2 BIG EAST) came out strong in the opening set vs. BIG EAST rival Louisville (8-5, 1-0 BIG EAST), but couldn't sustain their momentum as they fell to the Cardinals in four games in a Sunday afternoon matchup in Jake Nevin Field House. The Wildcats took the opening set 25-15 and dropped the last three games 25-15, 25-22 and 25-16. The defeat marks their second straight loss against BIG EAST opponents in the beginning stages of league play.
The Wildcats got out to a quick lead in the first set as they went on an 11-2 run en route to a 25-15 victory to begin the day. Senior outside hitter Amy Gulyas (Allentown, Pa.) led Villanova by recording 5 service aces while sophomore middle blocker Maggie Mergen (Springfield, Ill.) added 4 kills to the set. VU was assisted by lackluster Louisville hitting as the Cardinals went .000 for the first game while freshman outside hitter Kristina Bither (San Jose, Calif.) gave Villanova plenty of defensive stability as she tied for a match-high 6 digs.
The second set was a different story as Louisville got out to a 15-7 lead early in the game. The Cardinals then went on a 9-2 run which concluded with a 25-15 win. VU had a tough time recovering from Louisville's .212 hitting and a combined 13 kills from the `Cards.
The third set was a tough point-for-point battle as both teams traded exchanges throughout the match. Late into the set, U of L took a 7 point lead at 24-17 at set point but the Wildcats clawed their way back to get within two at 24-22. Forcing Louisville to take a timeout to regroup, the Wildcats couldn't capitalize as Louisville's Lecia Brown scored set point to end the match. Villanova's freshman outside hitter Krista Andersen (Lakeland, Fla.) led a match-high 6 kills while senior outside hitter Elysse Studzinski (Home Glen, Ill.) added another 4 in the defeat.
In the fourth and final set, Villanova couldn't keep up with Louisville's .379 hitting percentage after being down by 8, 19-11. The Cardinals took the lead in for a victory 25-16 and cruised for the 3-1 win in their first BIG EAST matchup of the year.
Villanova returns to action on Friday, October 2nd as they continue their BIG EAST schedule against DePaul (6-10, 0-2 BIG EAST) in Chicago, Ill. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.
