BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Milwaukee volleyball team (12-1) statistically dominated on Saturday morning, sweeping Valparaiso (5-8) 3-0 to claim the Jackrabbit Invitational title. The Panthers controlled early and never looked back as they earned their fourth tournament title this season.
 
"We were a lot more organized today. Really deliberate and had a nice plan throughout," head coach Susie Johnson commented. "Our overall effort was really good and passing was terrific."
 
It was an early morning start for Milwaukee, but the Panthers showed no signs of tiredness as they ran out to an 8-3 lead behind three kills from Ari Miller and two more from Louise Kiekhofer. The Panthers pushed that advantage to eight with two more kills from A. Miller and Carmen Heilemann and comfortably rolled the rest of the way.
 
In the first set, Milwaukee hit .289 with 16 kills while holding Valparaiso to a .189 attack percentage.
 
The Panthers again took an early lead in the second frame, but the Crusaders battled back and capitalized off of two MKE errors to pull ahead by three at 15-12. Heilemann took over from there, putting away three kills as the Panthers scored five of the next seven points to knot the set at 17.
 
Milwaukee regained the lead after two Valparaiso errors and three kills from Kleja Cerniauskaite down the stretch had the Panthers on top 2-0, winning the set 25-21.
 
The defense flexed in the third, holding the Crusaders to just 10 kills and a .045 hitting percentage. The two teams traded points early, but a 9-3 run put Milwaukee in control at 15-9.
 
Two MKE errors pulled Valpo within five but the Panthers got back on track following a timeout. Jenna Miller, A. Miller, and Kylie Wilks put away kills late as Milwaukee earned a 25-17 victory for its ninth straight victory.
 
"I was really proud of the way we finished the tournament with intention. We have to rely on the entire team and everyone came through yet again," Johnson stated.
 
A. Miller led three in double digits with 13 kills, her fifth straight contest with at least 10. With 49 kills (4.45 per set) and a .391 attack percentage, A. Miller earned the Jackrabbit Invitational Most Valuable Player honors.
 
Heilemann and Cerniauskaite each tacked on 10 kills. Heilemann was chosen to the All-Tournament team after totaling 25 kills and averaging 2.27 per set. Joining Heilemann on the All-Tournament squad was J. Miller, who totaled 20 kills including a career-high 13 on Friday. J. Miller hit .390 and also added nine digs and five assisted blocks.
 
Jess Grabowski and Mati Jakscht led the back line with 12 and 11 digs, respectively. Rylie Vaughn also recorded 11 digs to go with 22 assists, her eighth double-double of the season.
 
Milwaukee will see the Crusaders again on Tuesday as they host Valparaiso at 6:00 pm to close their non-conference schedule. Tickets and live coverage links can be found on MKEPanthers.com.