Sept. 20, 2002

Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Western Michigan rode 21 kills from Carman Malone and stellar defense to a come-from-behind 30-28, 18-30, 28-30, 30-27, 15-13 win over UWM Friday night in the Radisson Invitational at University Arena.

Three Panthers recorded double-doubles and sophomore Karen Fruit spearheaded the UWM attack with a career-high 20 kills, but UWM (2-8) could not overcome the home crowd and a Bronco effort that included 91 digs and 15 blocks.

"In games four and five they really turned up the heat on defense. We took some pretty good swings but they got to a lot of balls and made some great plays. Things just didn't fall our way," UWM head coach Kathy Litzau said. "It was a very up-and-down match. Our defense was better and our fight was better, but we still made too many errors."

UWM was hurt in particular by 34 attack errors and 14 service errors. The come-from-behind effort saw the Broncos overcome a 24-21 deficit in game four and break free of a 10-all tie in game five.

Fruit added 13 digs to her 20 kills in collecting her third double-double of the season. Sarah Potts had 16 kills and 15 digs, while Lindsey Spoden had 53 assists and 15 digs to go with seven kills. Larissa Cattanach added 15 kills and five blocks while hitting .306.

Abby Gephart added 12 kills for the Broncos (4-7), who opened the tournament earlier on Friday with a five-game win over Syracuse.

The Panthers continue play in the tournament Saturday, facing South Florida at 11:30 a.m. and Syracuse at 3:30 p.m.