Kaup Sets Record but Orange Loses to Villanova

Saturday, October 28

Philadelphia, Pa.

1:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

Villanova

Joscie Kaup set the school record for digs in a single-season against the Wildcats

10/28/2006 4:19:26 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Box Score

Villanova, Pa. – The Orange (10-20, 4-6 BIG EAST) lost its second-straight match, losing to Villanova 3-1 (30-18, 30-24, 25-30, 30-27). The loss puts the Orange two games back of the Wildcats (14-12, 6-4 BIG EAST) for the final spot in the BIG EAST Championship Tournament.

“We knew going into this match that we had a 50-50 chance to make BIG EAST if we won,” said assistant coach Carol Munger. “We still have a shot but it is just going to be tougher.”

Junior Joscie Kaup recorded 26 digs and set a school record by raising her season total to 580. Kaup passed Rachel Watson, who recorded 567 digs in 1999. Kaup entered the match leading the BIG EAST in digs per game (5.28) and currently ranks second in school history with 1,551 career digs. Only Watson has recorded more than Kaup, posting 1,791 digs from 1996 to 1999.

“Joscie did a really nice job today,” Munger said. “There were some tough hitters on the other side and she kept pushing herself to get better and pump up the team.”

Freshman Sarah Morton matched a career-high with 15 kills and classmate Samantha Ainsworth added 10. Sophomore April Quigley led the team with 32 assists and Ainsworth posted 11. Freshman Kacie MacTavish recorded six kills and 16 digs.

Villanova started strong in the first game. Leading 15-13, the Wildcats ended the game on a 15-5 run to quickly take a 1-0 advantage. The Orange led 18-16 in the second game but Villanova scored eight-straight points en route to the six-point victory and 2-0 advantage.

The Orange never gave up and pulled to within one game. Trailing 21-20, Syracuse scored four-straight points and never relinquished its lead, winning the third game 30-25. The Wildcats scored seven of eight points to take a 21-15 lead in the fourth game. Syracuse fought back and pulled to within one point at 28-27 but a service error and Villanova kill gave the fourth game and match to the Wildcats.

The Orange will look to get back to its winning ways at Rutgers on Sunday. The match is set to begin at 2 p.m.