Marquette Volleyball Tops Bradley In Four Games

Sept. 12, 2003

MILWAUKEE -- The Marquette volleyball team got off to a good start in its Holiday Inn City Centre Challenge Tournament this evening by defeating Bradley in four games. The Golden Eagles bested the Braves by a 29-31, 30-26, 30-22, 30-21 verdict and raised their record to 2-5. With the loss Bradley slipped to 2-6. The match was played at the MU Gym.

Marquette enjoyed a well-balanced attack with four players finishing with double figures in kills. Sophomore Theresa Coughlin (Chicago) led the way with 16 attacks and finished with a fine 37.5 attack percentage (16-4--32). Senior Ann Lopata (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) chalked up 13 attacks, hit an even 40.0 percent (13-3--25), and registered five total blocks. Freshman Jamie Mueller (Richfield, Wis.) and sophomore Aga Niemcezewska (Vernon Hills, Il.) rounded out the double-figure attacks with 12 and 10, respectively. Senior setter Gemma Greer (Winfield, Ill.) doled out 53 assists and eight digs while junior Erin Freer (Stevensville, Mich.) led all players with 15 digs.

The Golden Eagles hit 24.2 percent for the match (62-25--153), including a keen 48.6 percent in the decisive fourth game, compared to Bradley's effort of 21.9 percent (56-24--146). Marquette held a slim 52-51 edge in blocks while registering an 11-6 margin in total blocks.

In the opening game of the Challenge, Ohio defeated No. 23 Missouri in four games, 31-29, 30-26, 28-30, 30-25.

Action in the Challenge continues on Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Marquette plays Ohio at 12:30 p.m. and Missouri at 7:00 p.m.