Oct. 9, 2004

Box Score |  Quotes |  Notes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - A battle between the top two teams in the Horizon League lived up to its advanced billing Saturday afternoon, as Butler University outlasted the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 18-30, 30-17, 30-21, 25-30, 15-11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

The Bulldogs (10-7, 5-0 Horizon) took over sole possession of first place in the Horizon League with the win over the Panthers (8-7, 4-1).

The contest turned out to be a defensive struggle, with the two teams combining for 224 digs and 26 blocks. But in the end, it was seven hitting errors in the fifth game that did in UWM.

The loss snaps a four-match overall winning streak and a 16-match road Horizon League winning streak by the Panthers, who had not lost at Butler since 1997.

Rachel Kuebbing rebounded from an off-night Friday at Wright State to lead the Panthers with a career-best 22 kills. One night after tallying a career-high 31 kills, Karen Fruit added 18 kills and 18 digs for UWM.

Areal Bienemy led Butler with 22 kills.

The Panthers posted strong numbers on defense, as freshmen Leanne Felsing (26 digs), Jamie Gabrielson (23 digs) and Breit Nelson (14 digs) all posted career bests. Felsing also added 10 kills.

"Really it just came down to who could put the ball away, especially in the fifth game. Both teams played such great defense," UWM head coach Kathy Litzau said. "They were really sharp and didn't make as many errors as we did. It was a battle."

UWM won game one easily but Butler rebounded to win games two and three. The Bulldogs hit .531 in game two while not committing an error and then hit .281 in game three. The Panthers bounced back to win game four but then could not overcome a -.024 hitting percentage in the decisive game.

"We got a lot of contributions from a lot of people in different ways. Rachel had an awesome match, Cheryl (Hegemann) had eight blocks and Leanne and Jamie each made some great defensive plays," Litzau said. "Karen just had a hard time putting the ball away tonight."

The Panthers continue their four-match road swing next weekend, heading to Cleveland State and Youngstown State. UWM then finishes league play with five of its final seven matches at home.