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Panthers Haunt Phoenix
Milwaukee Snaps Three Game Losing Streak
By Nicole Thom
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee volleyball team handed out all the tricks and kept all the treats Halloween night against the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Susie Johnson’s squad gathered a 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 victory Friday night against the Phoenix to stay on top of the Horizon League.
Becky Peters and Maddie Sueppel knocked down 11 kills each, with Kerri Schuh close behind with 10 of her own. Milwaukee’s front line had eight blocks on the night to anchor the defense. Lauren Felsing added to the defensive effort by frustrating Phoenix hitters with her 18 digs.
It was not only individuals that shone tonight, but the entire team as well. The Panthers had only 10 hitting errors and hit .297 for the match. Milwaukee also forced 19 hitting errors out of Green Bay. Players across the board contributed to the Panther victory, and a solid looking team hit the hardwood.
The Panthers seemed to have the first game in the palm of their hand. They led throughout the first half of the set, until Green Bay decided they traveled too far to give away game one. The Phoenix tied the game at 18 and 22 before Milwaukee took the lead for good on an error and Sueppel kill. A dominating block by Sueppel and Schuh ended the match with little left to be said.
Game two was all about trading points until Green Bay’s offense got into a rhythm. The Panthers couldn’t stop the beat and the Phoenix pushed the lead to 20-16. Milwaukee came back to tie the game at 20, but the Phoenix wouldn’t quit. Peters and Natalie Schmitting came to the rescue just in time to deliver a big block, sending it to set point. Freshman Melissa Jansen supplied the solo block to give the Panthers a 2-0 match lead going into the break.
The third set was in the Panther’s possession most of the match. Green Bay crept back into the scene at the end of the game to pull within one, but could never come up with the tie. Schuh and Sueppel controlled the net and came up with a big denial to bring the game to 22-19. A Green Bay error ended the match and sent the Phoenix back to the locker room.
Milwaukee will play host again this weekend in the final two home matches of the season. Cleveland State will take the court Friday at 7 p.m., followed by Youngstown State on Saturday at 2 p.m.
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