NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (October 9, 2011) – Rutgers University volleyball gave a strong effort, but fell to Louisville in straight sets on Sunday afternoon at the College Ave Gym. The Cardinals won by scores of 25-19, 25-13 and 25-16.
The Scarlet Knights drop to 7-15 and 0-5 in the BIG EAST, while Louisville improves to 14-4 and 6-0 in conference.
“I was much more pleased with our efforts and approach in game three,” said head coach CJ Werneke after the match. “Statistically we hit more, dig better and passed better. That is not because we grew three inches or jumped three inches higher – it is because of the approach. Game three is what [the approach] needs to be every game and that wasn’t there in games one and two.”
Rutgers played even with Louisville in the first set, taking a 16-15 lead midway through the period. However, UofL won 10 of the next 14 points to take the set. Senior Hannah Curtis (Wasilla, Alaska) had four opening-frame kills.
Louisville took control of the match from there, holding RU down with a strong defensive effort (47 digs for the match) and a consistent hitting percentage. The Cardinals hit at .275 for the match compared to .053 for the Scarlet Knights.
Curtis ended up leading RU with eight kills for the match. Junior setter Stephanie Zielinski (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) notched 20 assists, while sophomore Brittany Bozzini (Saratoga, Calif.) led the defense with eight digs.
Louisville’s Lola Arslanbekova paced the match with 19 kills.
“The way we played – the inspiring play – should give our kids confidence to know that we can take a game from the best teams and be right in sets,” said Werneke in reference to a quote given to the team by assistant coach Lindsey Lee to sum up the weekend against Cincinnati and Louisville – two of the top teams in the league. “When we go against a team that isn’t as talented, that should be to our advantage if we approach is the same way.”
Rutgers will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. against rival Seton Hall. The match will be broadcasted on RVision.
