University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Women's Volleyball Falls to Notre Dame, 3-2
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
November 14, 1998
PITTSBURGH - After rallying from a 2-0 deficit, the University of Pittsburgh volleyball team suffered a 3-2 decision to Notre Dame today at Fitzgerald Field House. The loss drops Pittsburgh's record to 15-13 overall and 4-6 in the Big East.
Notre Dame was strong in the first game, jumping to a 13-1 lead. The Panthers rallied to pull the score within 13-10, but could not overcome the Irish and fell 15-10. The Fighting Irish also took game two, 15-11. Pittsburgh fought back in game three on .488 hitting to win a 15-9 decision. In game four, the Panthers held Notre Dame to negative figures and took a 15-4 win and force game five. In the final game, Pittsburgh went ahead, 13-11, but Notre Dame rallied to knot the score at 15. The lead change hands four times before Notre Dame could pull out the 21-19 win and match victory.
Five Panthers scored in double figures, including three with double-double performances. Junior Melissa Alpers (Milford, Mass./Milford) led Pittsburgh with 17 kills and 16 digs, while Paula Zemrowski (Kalamazoo, Mich./Kalamazoo Central) had 16 kills and added seven digs and four block assists. Junior Marcia Thiesen (Chatham, Ontario/John MacGregor) contributed 12 kills and 14 digs, and added two solo blocks and four block assists.
Jenna Birkel (Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Pius X) and Jen Nickels (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield North) also performed well, contributing 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Sophomore setter Lisa Riggle (Gillette, Wyo./Campbell County) recorded 61 assists and 10 digs in the match.
The Panthers conclude their regular season with a contest with Big East foe Syracuse Sunday, Nov. 15 at Fitzgerald Field House. Match time is set for noon.
