Press Release

SEPTEMBER 20, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CHRISTINE FRANCIES, ASST. SID
260-481-0729

Howell So Nice

Fort Wayne, IN - IPFW hosted a record crowd and gave them a show they would never forget as the Mastodons defeated the Ball State Cardinals in four games (30-21, 30-28, 19-30, 30-15). Junior Nicole Howell shined and led the Mastodons through game four to take the win in the Dons first Division I win over Ball State.

Games one was dominated by the Dons and the Cardinals started to fight back in game two. Game three was all about Ball State as IPFW fell, 19-30. Howell took the initiative and knocked down 8 kills to overpower the Cardinals in front of a record crowd of 914.

Howell knocked down a total of 20 kills for the night, a career high. She hit a .447 while only taking 38 swings with three errors. Howell also had a service ace and 9 digs. She also posted a game high 22.5 points.

Fabiana Souza posted 12 kills to go along with her block solo and four block assists.

Cynara Martins recorded yet another double-double with 11 kills and a team high 18 digs.

Erika Leitzke put up 45 assists and 13 digs for her double-double on the night. Leitzke hit an impressive .600 knocking down 3 kills in five attempts.

For Ball State, Rachel Refenes knocked down 12 kills while Amanda McCormick dug up 24 balls. Angie Parrell put up 41 assists for the Cardinals.

The Mastodons are now 10-1 going into this weekend's invitational. The Dons will host Cornell and Belmont. Cornell and Belmont face off Friday at 4:00 pm while IPFW will take on Belmont at 7:00 pm. On Saturday, the Mastodons will play Cornell at 7:00 pm.

~Dons~