Press Release

SEPTEMBER 23, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CHRISTINE FRANCIES, ASST. SID
260-481-0729

It Took Five, But Dons Survive

Fort Wayne, IN - The IPFW 2005 Volleyball Invitational presented by U.S. Cellular put the Mastodons to the test as they faced Belmont University in the nightcap. Belmont previously fell to Cornell in four earlier this afternoon. It took five games but IPFW succeeded, improving their record to 11-1.

The Mastodons started the night off right, taking game one 30-23. Game two the Bruins came alive and won, 28-30. It seemed to become a back and forth fight as the Dons took game three, 30-22 and then Belmont took game four, 30-28. The Mastodons started off game five with a bang and won, 15-10.

Double-doubles were served up all night as Fabiana Souza had 25 kills and 20 digs. Erika Leitzke also put up 52 assists and 12 digs and hit a .625 with five kills in 8 attempts.

Claire Jackson was a blocking machine with 12 (7 solos and 5 assists) and finished off her double-double with 10 kills. Peachy Jankowski dug up 27 balls for IPFW.

Belmont was led by Lindsay Cleveland with 16 kills and 20 digs while Erin Janson also had a double-double with 11 kills and 13 digs. Ashley Collier dug up 24 balls for the Bruins while Colleen Nilson handed out 49 assists.

In the early game, Cornell defeated Belmont 3-1 (23-30, 30-18, 30-24, 30-22).

Cornell was led by Elizabeth Bishop with 28 kills and Kelly Kramer dug up 13 balls. Joanna Weiss guarded the net well with 2 block solos and 7 block assists while Amy Gordon had 44 assists.

For Belmont, Cleveland knocked down 13 kills and 12 digs. Nilson had her double-double with 41 assists and 12 digs.

On Saturday, the Mastodons will play Cornell at 7:00 pm as the final match of the IPFW Volleyball Invitational presented by U.S. Cellular.

~Dons~