Oct. 7, 2007

Box Score

CINCINNATI, OHIO - After dropping the first game of the match, the No. 18 St. John's volleyball team battled right back to win the next three, as the team defeated the Bearcats of the University of Cincinnati, 3-1 (26-30, 30-18, 30-28, 30-23), Sunday afternoon. The win improves St. John's to 20-3 overall (5-1 BIG EAST), while Cincinnati falls to 14-5 (5-1 BIG EAST).

Seniors Hui Ping Huang and LaToya Blunt led the way for St. John's, as each recorded a match-high 17 kills. Huang also had nine digs and seven total blocks, while Blunt registered a team high .355 hitting percentage and eight total blocks. Junior Lena Yee had another great contest, recording a match-high 20 digs, and senior Wioleta Leszczynska led all players with 54 assists.

Game one was back and forth through 7-7, but the Bearcats took the next four points to make it 11-7. Cincinnati maintained the lead throughout most of the game until the Red Storm was able to come within two points at 18-16. The Bearcats were able to hold off St. John's, and at game point at 29-21, the Red Storm strung together five straight points to make it 29-26. However, a kill by Cincinnati freshman Stephanie Niemer ended game one 30-26.

The Red Storm started game two off right by grabbing the first four points, and was able to keep it up from there. St. John's built up a 13-5 lead when the Bearcats started crawling back, but the Red Storm was able to remain in control and forced the Cincinnati to use a timeout at 18-9. After the break, it all St. John's as the team cruised to a 30-18 win, tying up the match at 1-1.

After the ten minute intermission, the Bearcats started strong jumping out to a 5-1 lead but the Red Storm battled right back into it and tied it up at 8-8. The team took a 9-8 lead on a kill by Blunt on the next play. Cincinnati would regain the lead and hold off the Red Storm until it was 22-22. From there, it was back and forth until 28-28, two straight points on Cincinnati attack errors gave the Red Storm a 30-28 game three win, and a 2-1 match advantage.

Game three saw the Red Storm grab the first four points and build on the lead. The Bearcats fought hard back into it and eventually tied it at 11-11. Neither team could gain much dominance throughout the game. The Red Storm forced the Bearcats to use their second timeout at 27-22. After the break, the Red Storm grabbed three of the next four points and an ace by junior Valeria Kovaleva ended the game 30-23, giving St. John's a 3-1 match win.

For the Bearcats, Neimer and junior Jessica Elley each had a team-high 12 kills. Freshman setter Annie Fesl had a team-high 43 digs, while sophomore Jamie Frey led her team with 13 digs.

The Red Storm return to action next Sunday, October 14, when the travel to Piscataway, N.J. to take on the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University. First serve of the match is scheduled for 2 p.m.

- Red Storm -