Sept. 20, 2007

Final Stats

Kalamazoo, Mich. - The Northern Illinois volleyball team opened up Mid-American Conference competition with a loss on the road to Western Michigan, 30-27, 27-30, 30-27, 30-11. The Huskies are now 6-9 (0-1 MAC) and the Broncos bettered their record to 9-5 (1-0 MAC).

The Huskies rebounded from an early 4-1 deficit in game one to take an 8-7 lead following a kill by sophomore Meagan Schoenrock (Sylvania, Ohio / Northview). NIU was able to hang with WMU until back-to-back kills from Allyson Doyle and Ashley Vogl gave the Broncos a 19-17 lead and sparked the Broncos to a 30-27 win in game one.

"It's the start of the MAC season and I thought both teams came out with energy," Huskie head coach Ray Gooden said. "We had a chance in game one, unfortunately Western Michigan capitalized to take the game, 30-27."

In game two, the Huskies used seven kills from freshman Dani D'Ambrose (Addison, Ill. / Addison Trail), including the final two kills that gave NIU the game, and 11 WMU attack errors to win, 30-27.

"We took care of our opportunities in game two to take that one," Gooden said.

Game three was a similar story to game one. NIU overcame an early 5-0 disadvantage by using three kills from D'Ambrose and several attack errors by the Broncos to tie it up, 10-10. Then, Schoenrock put-down consecutive kills to give the Huskies the lead, 12-10. Again, NIU was unable to hold off a Bronco rally though, losing 27-30.

"In game three, we had the same scenario as game one," said Gooden. "We were up a bit early in the game and Western Michigan was able to take it, 30-27."

NIU found itself in a hole once again in game four, trailing 1-6. However, the Huskies were unable to mount a charge and recover, losing 11-30.

"In game four, we were a little tight early and they went on a couple runs," Gooden said. "They served the ball well, blocked a couple balls and were able to score in transition."

For the Huskies, D'Ambrose posted her second consecutive double-double with 18 kills and a season-high 18 digs, while senior Mandi Caputo (Chicago, Ill. / Immaculate Heart of Mary / DePaul) added 53 assists and 16 digs. Schoenrock also chipped in with 16 kills for the Huskies.

"Were playing harder, which is positive," said Gooden. "We just have to finish now. We have to step up in crunch time and really make those plays that are going to help put us over the top." Defensively, the Huskies received a season-high 29 digs from freshman Maddie Hughes (St. Charles, Ill. / North). Junior Jody Hardwick (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Crystal Lake South / St. Louis) also added 16 digs for NIU.

For the Broncos, Michelle Moore notched 17 kills and Allyson Doyle totaled 14 kills to go along with 13 digs. Sam Viox had a team-high 32 assists. Defensively, Caitlin Strimel recorded 32 digs to help lead WMU past NIU.

The Huskies resume play this Saturday, September 22 when NIU takes on Bowling Green at 3 p.m. in Bowling Green, Ohio