USC
Arizona
Volleyball's Efforts Not Enough Against Arizona
September 25, 1999 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 25, 1999
LOS ANGELES --Southern California women's volleyball opens the conference season with a 1-1 Pac-10 record after falling to No. 14 Arizona, 1-3 (10-15, 12-15, 15-3, 13-15), tonight at the North Gym. The Trojans' efforts were not enough to earn a victory after battling from a two-game deficit.
The Wildcats improve to 9-3 on the season, and 3-1 in Pac-10 play. USC, off the heels of a 3-1 defeat of Arizona State last night, falls to 6-3 overall, and 1-1 in the Pac-10. The defeat marked the Trojans first home loss to the Wildcats since the 1981 season.
For the Women of Troy, junior outside hitter Janae Henry led the squad with 18 kills, followed closely by sophomore middle blocker Jennifer Pahl who notched 16 kills and a team-high .469 attack percentage. At the net, freshman Lauren Killian posted a personal-best nine total blocks, while Antoinette Polk accounted for a match-high 18 digs. As a team, USC hit just .197, compared to the Wildcats .241. Defensively, the Trojans saw strong play at the net throughout the night, eventually out-blocking Arizona 19.0 to 11.0.
Arizona setter Dana Burkholder added 66 assists in the Wildcat's victory. Two players tallied double-doubles: outside hitters Jill Talbot (11 kills, 16 digs, .421) and Lisa Rutledge (22 kills, 13 digs, .465).
After struggling in games one and two, the Trojans earned a decisive win in game three due to a much improved attack effort. USC did not hit above .217 in the first two games, but posted a .400 attack percentage for the game win. The Trojans then rallied from a 6-14 deficit in the fourth game to come just two points short of a come-from-behind victory.
The Women of Troy will now prepare to face Washington State on the road, Friday, September 30.
