(Posted September 10, 2005)

Juniata 3, Ashland 1
Juniata 3, University of Wisconsin-Parkside 2


Ashland, Ohio. ? Whether it?s been a Division III or Division III opponent for the Juniata College women?s volleyball team in 2005, the results remain the same as the Eagles improved to 5-0 in 2005 with victories over Ashland University (Ohio) and University of Wisconsin-Parkside Saturday afternoon at the Ashland Invitational. Juniata topped Ashland 3-1 and claimed a five-game win over UW Parkside.

After dropping game one against Ashland 30-28, Juniata rallied and took the final three games by scores of 30-24, 30-28 and 30-26.

Stephanie Kines (Towson/Towson, Md.) led all players with 19 kills in the match and hit an impressive .621 hitting percentage. Rachael Schatz (West Perry/Elliotsburg) added 17 kills for the Eagles as Juniata finished with 61 kills compared to 44 for the home team.

Jess Ritchey (Greencastle-Antrim/Greencastle) handled the setting duties and passed out a career-best 51 assists and also brought up a team-high 18 digs. Kines also added to the defense with seven blocks while Schatz added six. Katie Laucks (West York/York) and Erin Albert (Philipsburg-Osceola/Philipsburg) each added four blocks. Tara McMinn (Huntingdon/Huntingdon) chipped in 15 digs for Juniata?s defense.

Kines rounded out her all-around performance with three aces, which was matched by Kelly Popernik (Bartlett/Bartlett, Ill.).

In match number two, the Eagles claimed the first two games by scores of 30-26, 30-24 and then saw UW Parkside claim games three and four by scores of 30-21 and 30-26. Juniata then took control in game five, cruising to a 15-5 win to seal the match.

Kines again was the top offensive force with 17 kills, while Laucks was right behind her with 16 kills while adding a pair of blocks.

Setter Beth Kozak (Huntingdon/Huntingdon) led the team in assists, while also recording a team-high 28 digs and four aces. McMinn finished with 18 digs in the match while Mariel Little (Walled Lake Central/Commerce, Mi.) added two blocks for Juniata?s defense.

Popernik contributed four aces and Abby Leonard (Shade/Johnstown) added three.

Juniata will return to action next Friday when the Eagles play top-ranked Washington University (Mo.) at the Teri Clemons Invitational.

###

Our readers respond...

Be the first to provide a response.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.