Oct. 4, 2002

Box Score

ATHENS, Ohio--In a four-game match, Miami University's volleyball team (5-10; 0-3 Mid-American Conference) was edged by Ohio University (12-4; 2-2 MAC), 24-30, 31-29, 26-30 and 30-32. Junior middle hitter Susan Poll (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Kentwood) posted a career-best 20 kills.

A service ace by Poll late in the first game handed the RedHawks a 23-22 lead, but the Bobcats outscored Miami 8-1 to take the first game, 30-24. After trailing 7-14 in the second game, Miami battled back to knot the game, 23-23, off a kill by senior outside hitter Kelly McCullough (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson). The two teams went back and forth until Miami was able to ice the game, 31-29, off respective kills by Poll and senior outside hitter Erika Eagan (Bloomington, Ill./Tri-Valley).

In the third game, Miami opened up a quick 7-2 lead, but Ohio came back to tie the game, 10-10. From there the Bobcats went on to take a 20-14 lead and eventually take the game, 30-26. Again the RedHawks posted an early advantage in the fourth game, jumping out to an 18-10 lead. But Ohio inched its way back into the game and tied things up, 25-25, and eventually outlasted the RedHawks 32-30.

McCullough tallied 15 kills and four blocks for the RedHawks, while sophomore outside hitter Tara Buroker (Bluffton, Ohio/Bluffton) added 11 kills and 11 digs. Senior middle hitter Jennifer Eaton (Cincinnati, Ohio/Ursuline Academy) recorded 10 kills and five blocks. Eagan produced a match-high 17 digs, and junior setter Melinda McCormick produced 50 assists.

The RedHawks return to action Saturday night at Marshall. Match time is 7 p.m.