Volleyball Drops to Eastern Kentucky, 3-1

Sept. 17, 2005

RICHMOND, Ky. - The Marquette volleyball team wrapped-up its visit to Kentucky tonight at McBrayer Arena losing to Eastern Kentucky, 3-1 (29-31, 30-28, 28 -30, 26-30), in the finale of the EKU/Nike Invitational. Eastern Kentucky claims the tournament title while the Golden Eagles fall to 6-5 on the season heading into BIG EAST play next weekend.

EKU grabbed the first game victory, 31-29, behind a 34.1 attack percentage even though Marquette out killed the Colonels 25-18. The Golden Eagles stormed back and won game two, 30-28, but EKU clinched the match winning the games three and four, 30-28 and 30-26, respectively.

"All the credit should go to Eastern Kentucky," said head coach Pai Rolf. "I really think they were one of the only teams that actually beat us this season. We played tough against them, but they were just the better team tonight. I think this will help us continue to grow and learn where we need to be."

The Golden Eagles fought back from a 19-12 deficit in game two to tie the game at 26 on a Kim Todd kill and then scored four of the last six points to give EKU it first home game loss this year.

Game three was tense throughout with neither team grabbing more than a two-point lead after an early Colonel 4-1 advantage. A kill from Colonel Shelly George broke the deadlock at 28, and an attack error from Todd attack gave EKU a one game lead.

Marquette did not bow out easily though, holding a 25-24 lead in the fourth game on the strength of senior outside hitter Theresa Coughlin's game-high six kills.

Sophomore middle blocker Tiffany Helmbrecht tallied a career high 17 kills, while fellow sophomore middle blocker Jenn Brown, Coughlin and Todd each recorded double- figured kills with 13, 21 and 22, respectively. The Golden Eagles 24.9 percent for the match.

Shelly George led Eastern Kentucky with 19 kills and Jessica Sabath also contributed to EKU's cause with 17 kills. The Colonels hit over 31 percent including a match-high 34.1 percent in game one.

In earlier action today, Marquette swept UNC-Greensboro in three games, 30-16, 30 -20, 30-19. Coughlin led the way hitting over 60 percent while slamming down 15 kills. Together, the Golden Eagles hit 32.9 percent including a match-high 42.3 percent in the first game.

Helmbrecht and Coughlin were named to the all-tournament team. This is Coughlin's fourth all-tournament selection of the season.

The Golden Eagles return to action Friday, September 23, at 7 p.m., when they kick- off BIG EAST play against South Florida in the Al McGuire Center.