Michigan
15-4, 5-3B1G
Maryland
10-12, 0-8B1G
Cole Ignites Offense as Wolverines Sweep Terps
10/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
» Michigan registered an impressive .319 attack average in its sixth sweep of the season.
» The Wolverines improved to 15-4 on the season and 5-3 in the Big Ten Conference.
» Lindsey Lerg recorded a career-high 17 digs from her libero position.
Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Cliff Keen Arena)
Score: #23 Michigan 3, Maryland 0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23)
Records: U-M (15-4, 5-3 B1G), Maryland (10-12, 0-8 B1G)
Attendance: 1,149
Next U-M Event: Wednesday, Oct. 21 -- vs. Penn State (Cliff Keen Arena), 7 p.m.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- An offense led by junior Abby Cole's 18 kills propelled the 23rd-ranked University of Michigan volleyball team to a 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23) sweep of the visiting Maryland Terrapins on Thursday (Oct. 15) at Cliff Keen Arena.
Though both teams played Big Ten Conference games against different opponents just last night, both squads hit the court ready for action. The first set of the evening was played nearly point for point until Michigan gained a small lead and took the first game, 25-23. Cole had eight kills in the first set alone.
The second set of the night featured a much different offensive attack on both sides. Other than a tie score at 8-8, the Maize and Blue led the entire set, despite only recording nine kills to Maryland's 13. Michigan's defense, however, forced eight Maryland errors to take the set by a 25-16 score.
Thursday's final set featured a strong effort from both sides of the court, as the Wolverines and Terps both hit for a .400 attack average, and each recorded 16 digs. Three Michigan players hit more than .500 in the set, including sophomore Katherine Mahlke (.750), senior Krystalyn Goode (.667) and freshman Carly Skjodt (.500). Despite Maryland's late offensive surge, Michigan took the set, 25-23, for a 3-0 match sweep.
In spite of playing in a new role as a left-side hitter, Cole led the Wolverine offense with season-high 18 kills on the evening, registering an impressing .368 attack percentage. As a team, Michigan recorded a .319 attack percentage, handing the Terps their eighth straight loss.
Skjodt also tallied nine kills in the victory on a .409 attack average, though her 14 kills on defense also contributed heavily to the team's performance. Mahlke also picked up seven kills at a .429 hitting percentage.
Defensively, senior libero Lindsey Lerg led all players with 17 digs in the contest, a new career high. In addition, freshman defensive specialist Jenna Lerg and senior setter Carly Warner each tallied 10.
From the net, it was again sophomore Claire Kieffer-Wright who led Michigan in blocking with three total blocks, including two solo.
Michigan will hit the court again on Wednesday (Oct. 21) against highly ranked Penn State. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Wolverines' home court inside Cliff Keen Arena.
