University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Dayton
UMass Volleyball downs Dayton, 3-2
October 21, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 21, 2000
AMHERST, Mass. - The University of Massachusetts volleyball team demonstrated true resiliency tonight at Curry Hicks Cage, as they defeated Dayton in thrilling fashion, 3-2 (15-8, 15-5, 9-15, 2-15, 17-15). It was the third straight five-game match for the Minutewomen, as earlier in the week they defeated UConn and lost to Xavier in matches that went the distance. With the win, UMass improved to 9-11 overall, and 5-5 in the Atlantic-10. The loss dropped Dayton to 13-8 overall, and 5-4 in the conference.
"That's a darn good win," a relieved UMass head coach Bonnie Kenny said after the match. "I'll take it."
This match did not at first, however, appear as if it was going to go five games. UMass jumped on the stunned Flyers early, taking the first two games in impressive fashion. But Dayton regrouped at the break, and came out strong, winning the next two games handily, setting up the hotly-contested fifth game.
"Lindsay Bailey gave Jen Davis a good break when she needed it," Kenny said. "That was good to see. But our starters definitely won that match."
Of those starters, junior Janeen DeMarte (El Paso, Texas) was solid on both ends, as she recorded a double double with 11 kills and 11 digs. Senior Rebecca Hasson (Riverside, Calif.) contributed 18 kills and 4 blocks, and sophomore Jen Davis (Ventura, Calif.) was stellar on defense as she tallied 22 digs on the night. Junior Lymarie Llovet (Arecibo, Puerto Rico) added 16 kills and 6 blocks for the Maroon & White.
"Thank god we won," Kenny said of the importance of the win. "I think it'll come down to us and Dayton for the fourth spot in the tournament."
Dayton was led by Sierra Ashley's 28 kills and 19 digs, as well as Genoa Moxley's 13 kills and 15 digs.
UMass hits the road mid-week as they travel to Rhode Island on Wednesday Oct. 25 for a 7:00 match with the Rams. The Minutewomen return to action at Curry Hicks Cage next weekend as they take on Fordham and George Washington on Friday and Saturday night. Both matches are slated for 7:00 p.m.
