Michigan
6-1
Texas A&M
6-1
Michigan Has Six-Match Win Streak Halted by Texas A&M
9/12/1998 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Site:Â Ann Arbor, Mich. (Cliff Keen Arena)
Score:Â #19 Texas A&M 3, Michigan 1 (16-14, 15-17, 15-5, 15-8)
Team Records:Â U-M (6-1), Texas A&M (6-1)
Next Match:Â Friday, Sept. 18 -- at New Mexico (Albuquerque, N.M.), 7:30 p.m. MDT
ANN ARBOR, MICH. -- In a rematch of last year's NCAA Tournament second-round contest, Texas A&M defeated the University of Michigan volleyball team 16-14, 15-17, 15-5, 15-8 on Saturday (Sept. 12) to win the All Sport® Challenge. The 19th-ranked Aggies -- three-game winners over the Wolverines last fall in College Station, Texas -- handed Michigan its first loss of 1998 as they dominated the net, out-blocking U-M 21-3 and hitting .249 to Michigan's .170.
On the strength of three service aces, Michigan jumped out to a early 5-2 lead in game one. After the Aggies tied the game at 5-all, Michigan took control and served for the game with a 14-11 lead. However, a Texas A&M rally gave it the final five points of the game and a one-game lead in the match.
With game two knotted at four, U-M senior captain Jane Stevens (Honolulu, Hawaii/Punahou HS) served five consecutive points to give the Wolverines control of the game. After Michigan stretched its lead to seven (12-5), the Aggies mounted a comeback and again took a 15-14 lead. This time, however, Michigan withstood the rally and finished off the Aggies 17-15.
In the pivotal third game, Texas A&M took charge early, at one point leading 10-3 and finally putting Michigan away 15-5. Texas A&M took the early lead in game four (5-2) and never relinquished it, holding off a stubborn Wolverine squad 15-8.
Stevens, Karen Chase (Orinda, Calif./Miramonte HS) and Linsey Ebert (Fowlerville, Mich./Fowlerville HS) were all named to the all-tournament team for the Wolverines. Alija Pittenger (Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial HS) contributed double figures in assist (35) and digs (12).
MATCH BESTS
Kills: U-M 62 (Karen Chase 19); Texas A&M 76 (Stacy Sykora 26)
Assists:Â U-M 60 (Alija Pittenger 35); Texas A&M 68 (Jenna Moscovic 58)
Service Aces: U-M 5 (Linsey Ebert 3); Texas A&M 3 (three tied with 1)
Digs: U-M 74 (Jane Stevens 18); Texas A&M 81 (Michelle Cole 20)
Blocks:Â U-M 3 (Anne Poglits 2); Texas A&M 21.5 (Amber Woosley 11)
NOTES
• Pittenger tied her career high in assists with 35.
• Chase led Michigan in kills in all four matches of the tournament.
