WMU News

Volleyball Broncos remain perfect, 6-0, in MAC

Oct. 9, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- The Western Michigan University volleyball team (14-3 overall, 6-0 MAC) defeated Toledo, 15-7, 15-2, 15-12, at University Arena on Saturday (Oct. 9) in front of 475 fans.

With the victory, the Broncos remain among three undefeated teams in the Mid-American Conference, and have won 13 of their past 14 matches. Saturday's victory over Toledo was the fifth sweep (3-0) of a MAC opponent in six attempts. The Broncos' other MAC win was a 3-1 victory over Bowling Green.

Mandy Whitfield led all players with 14 kills (.296) and shared honors with Kelly Kuharski by sweeping up a match-high nine digs. Monyka Paul had 12 kills (.417), Traci Morin had 10 (.412), and Zakiya Pope added nine kills (.412). For the match, the Broncos had a .314 attack percentage and held Toledo (4-13, 1-6 MAC) to just .139 hitting.

Morin improved to a .401 hitting percentage for the season. This past week, she was the MAC Offensive Player of the Week and was ranked No. 5 in the nation (NCAA Division I) in hitting percentage.

Pope led WMU with eight blocks, including two solo blocks, as the Broncos out-blocked Toledo, 10-4.

Adding to the nine digs each by Kuharski and Whitfield, were Morin and freshman Cindy Kizer with eight apiece. Kizer also contributed her 19th service ace of the season.

Setter Jen Nowak had 42 of the Broncos' 47 assists for a 14.0 assists-per-game average. Nowak also contributed two kills, two services aces, three block assists, and seven digs.

The Broncos travel to Central Michigan on Wednesday, Oct. 13, before hosting Buffalo on Friday, Oct. 15. WMU won, 3-0, in their previous meeting with Buffalo this season, Oct. 2 at Buffalo. Friday's match begins at 7 p.m. in University Arena.

Media contact: Geoff Brown; 616 387-4138; geoffrey.brown@wmich.edu


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