Aug. 31, 2001

Stats

NORMAL, Ill. - The UWM women's volleyball team opened the 2001 season on a successful note, claiming a 30-21, 30-11, 30-26 victory over UMKC on the opening day of the 2001 Barker GMC Classic at Illinois State.

Laura Dallenbach led the Panthers (1-0) with 12 kills, while Larissa Cattanach added 10. Lindsey Spoden collected 34 assists in addition to six service aces, eight digs and three kills. Julie Yankus led the team with nine digs, while Chrissy Schurla and Tari Boutin had six kills apiece.

The Panther defense limited the Kangaroos (0-1) to a -.018 hitting percentage and UMKC totaled just 30 kills in the three games. UWM, meanwhile, hit .346 in game one and .353 in game two.

"I think we forced them into situations that caused them to make errors," head coach Kathy Litzau said. "We didn't make errors."

Both teams appeared to be fighting season-opening jitters in game one. The Panthers broke free from a 7-7 tie by scoring five straight points, forcing a UMKC timeout. UWM eventually pushed the lead to 19-12 on a Schurla ace, then expanded the advantage to 22-13 on a kill and a pair of aces by Spoden. The Panthers closed out the game on two UMKC hitting errors sandwiched around another Spoden ace.

UWM had an easy time in game two, breaking a 3-3 tie by scoring 23 of the game's next 28 points. The run included two more aces and three kills by Spoden. UWM closed the game with two straight points on a Spoden kill and a UMKC error.

The Panthers struggled to put the match away in game three, but broke free from a 23-all tie with four straight points, two coming from Larissa Cattanach blocks. UMKC closed to within 28-26, but the Panthers won the game and the match on a Boutin kill and a UMKC error.

"In game three, I think we backed off, believing they were going to give us the match," Litzau said. "Give UMKC credit, they didn't give in. But, I liked the way we fought at the end. To stress your team a little bit and come out ahead is nothing but a positive this early in the season."

UWM totaled 11 services aces while also committing 11 service errors. Spoden collected six aces - equaling a career-high.

"I told the team they have to stay aggressive," Litzau said. "Some teams may change that because of rally scoring, but I thought on a lot of our errors, the ball carried long and we were just getting used to the currents in the arena. I'd imagine we'll be better tomorrow."

The Panthers continue play in the Barker GMC Classic Saturday at 10 a.m. against 26th-ranked Louisville, which beat host Illinois State, 3-1, Friday night. UWM then closes out the tournament against the host Redbirds.

"Louisville right off the bat Saturday morning is a big challenge," Litzau said. "It's a big test right away. We have lots of tests this year, and that's what it's all about."