Nov. 6, 2009

Box Score
Postmatch Interview with Coach Johnson

MILWAUKEE - Jena Berg had 14 kills to lead three players in double figures as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee captured a 25-17, 25-22, 25-21 win over Wright State Friday night at the Klotsche Center.

The Panthers (10-14, 7-6) have now won five-straight matches.

UWM hit a solid .271 in the match, as Kerri Schuh added 12 kills and Mary Beth O'Brien pitched-in with 11.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee's defense limited Wright State to a .093 hitting clip, as the Panthers collected 11 blocks.

Jessica Woods led Wright State (10-19, 2-12) with 10 kills.

"Finshing in three is always great and we had some really great moments in that match - some really great offense and that is what we've been looking for all season," UWM head coach Susie Johnson said. "Mary Beth, Kerri Schuh and Jena - they all had a great day offensively and we were able to play our game, which is really exciting."

The Panthers cruised to the win in the first set. UWM built an early 10-4 advantage and still led 13-9 on a kill by Berg. Wright State did close to within two points at 16-14 but would get no closer. A four-point burst, capped by another kill from Berg, pushed Milwaukee's edge to 22-15, and UWM wound up closing out the frame on a WSU service error.

Milwaukee had a tougher time in the second set. In fact, after Wright State fell down 10-4, the Raiders fought back to take a 15-12 lead with a run of seven-straight points. But, UWM scored the next four points to regain the lead and the Panthers never trailed again. WSU did tie the frame at 20 but a kill by Maddie Sueppel and a block by O'Brien and Sueppel pushed Milwaukee back ahead. UWM eventually wrapped things up on kills by Berg and Natalie Schmitting.

UWM then hung on in the third set to wrap things up. The Panthers bolted to an 11-4 lead and had the lead all the way out to 17-8 on a solo block by Schmitting. Wright State countered by scoring 11 of the next 13 points, tying the frame at 19. But, UWM scored three in a row to regain control and then closed out the match on a kill by O'Brien.

The Panthers return to action Saturday afternoon, hosting Horizon League leader Cleveland State in a 4 p.m. contest.