Nov. 21, 2009
Final Stats
TOLEDO - The Miami RedHawk volleyball team's run in the Mid-American Conference Tournament came to an end in the semifinals Saturday night at the hands of a hot hitting Western Michigan team. The second-seeded Broncos defeated the third-seeded RedHawks 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-17). Miami falls to 17-13 on the season, while WMU improves to 23-10 and will take on Ohio in the championship game Sunday afternoon.
After Ohio took the MAC Championship, 3-1, over the Broncos on Sunday, the All-Tournament Team was announced with Michele Metzler earning a spot on the team.
After falling behind 1-3 in set one, Miami pulled even at four thanks to kills from Hallie Hanks and Andrea Atteberry, along with a Bronco attack error. A service ace by Jenn Caylor gave the RedHawks a brief lead at 5-4, but a 10-3 run by Western put the Broncos in front 14-8, an advantage Miami was unable to overcome. The RedHawks got as close as 14-17, but WMU won the set 25-19, closing on an 8-5 run.
With the score tied at seven early in set two, Western Michigan went in front, 16-12, on the strength of a 9-5 run. Kills by Amy Raseman and Christina Menche helped the RedHawks pull to within one at 17-18, but the Broncos immediately brought the lead back to four by scoring next three points. Maria Leahy and Metzler put down kills to help Miami once again pull within one at 21-22, but Western Michigan went on a 3-1 run to win the set, 25-22.
The Broncos took control of set three quickly, jumping to a 10-6 advantage. They kept up the pressure from there, going on a 12-7 run to push the lead to 22-13. Miami responded with a 4-1 run that included kills by Raseman and Leahy that pulled the RedHawks to within six at 17-23, but Western Michigan scored the next two points to finish off the match.
Metzler finished as the team leader with eight kills. Atteberry had a double-double with 27 assists and 11 digs. Lisa Treadway led the RedHawks with 17 digs.
Miami will conclude its 2009 season with a match at local rival Cincinnati on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m.
